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By Mark Brassel

The Northern Tablelands town of Glen Innes is famous as the birthplace of Garry ‘Norman Gunston’ McDonald and cooking expert, the late Margaret Fulton.

Amazingly (Matt McGuren; dark green & purple) wins the 2022 Glen Innes Cup. Image by Bradley Photographers

But Glen Innes is also recognised for its big Cup Day race meeting that takes place this Saturday.

The town will come alive with their first Cup meeting in several years that is COVID-free.

“Our numbers were down last year because of the restrictions but the feedback we’re getting is that we will be welcoming a very large crowd in 2023 with the shackles off,” said Barry Luxford, Glen Innes Jockey Club’s general secretary.

“It is themed as a family fun event and tickets can be purchased at the gate.

“We will have plenty of food vans, a bar and BBQ, along with a Champagne Garden and a Fashions on the Field.

“And there will be live music by The Regulators that will keep racegoers entertained after the last race.”

GIJC will also provide a VIP marquee with $99 ticket holders receiving a five-hour canape and beverage package in a beautifully styled marquee.

Jockey Matt McGuren and trainer Wayne Oakenfull combined last year to take out the Glen Innes Cup with Amazingly.

Coffs Harbour Racing Club will be staging its 17th annual Pink Silks Raceday on Sunday.

The Club was out of luck last year when the day was called off after the course was waterlogged following heavy rain.

“We will have a range of gourmet food and beverage options to choose on Pink Silks Day,” said Tim Saladine, CHRC’s manager.

“There will be a Fashions on the Field with some great prizes as well as monster raffles and an auction.

“And one of the highlights of the day on the seven-race card will be a female riders only event.”

The theme is PINK and most of the crowd dresses in pink attire.

The Coffs Harbour Pink Silks Trust is a local registered charity committed to raising awareness and funds for local women who are challenged by cancer or illness. The event is supported by over 50 local or national businesses and/or individuals.

Northern Wilderose won the latest Pink Silks Cup in 2020 and seven months later was placed in a Randwick TAB Highway. Further information is at – coffsracingclub.com.au

Meanwhile, CHRC is gearing up for its big Newhaven Park Country Championships Day on Saturday 18 February.

The 2023 Country Championships series consists of seven qualifying races each held at a Club representing a racing region in NSW.

The Country Championships Lawn Party will be a prime location, hosting the two-story Cloud Nine Bar, live music, private TAB, bar and food facilities including delicious Mr Consistent Cocktails.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Tuesday: Taree, Muswellbrook
Thursday: Wagga
Friday: Orange, Port Macquarie
Saturday: Glen Innes; Queanbeyan
Sunday: Coffs Harbour, Nowra