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By Mark Brassel

Goulburn will finally celebrate Christmas on Friday during their final race meeting for a COVID-hit 2021.

The club was unlucky that one of its biggest racedays of the year – Goulburn Cup Day – was on the last day of October, a mere one day prior to the easing of NSW government restrictions.

There'll be some great racing action at Goulburn on Friday. Image by Bradley Photographers

“We were day shy of coinciding with the lifting of NSW regional travel restrictions for greater Sydney,” said Goulburn & District Racing Club’s CEO, Robyn Fife.

“It is what it is, but I’m pleased to say there’ll be no such issues with Friday’s meeting.”

The feature race is the 12th running of the $29,000 Fred Cooper Cup (1600m) named after the Goulburn stalwart who retired a couple of years back following an incredible 44-year contribution to the club.

Fred was a former President and Director as well as being tagged the ‘Lord of the Lawnmower’.

He was awarded the first ever Simon Nivison Special Achievement Award for service to NSW Country Racing in 1999/2000.

Fred’s tireless efforts in the development and upkeep of the Goulburn track helped play a major part in making it one of the most competitive racing surfaces in NSW.

Friday’s meeting is an opportunity for owners, trainers and racegoers looking for a Christmas party celebration or a Southern tablelands day trip.

“Traditionally our Christmas Raceday is a meeting with something for everyone on and off the track,” Ms Fife said.

“This year it should have more buzz about it as we are able to offer live music and booking opportunities for group Christmas parties.

“The weather forecast tells us it will be a drying week ahead so we expect the track to be heading in right direction for the day.”

Ms Fife added that there’s plenty of symmetry about Christmas and racing this year.

“With COVID restrictions now easing it’s a sharpened opportunity for owners and racegoers to get out and about and combine festive season celebrations with a day of on track action. And there are a few limited packages still available.”

Nominations for Goulburn's Christmas race meeting close tomorrow at 11am and for bookings contact the GDRC on 02 4822 2222 or email - admin@goulbrunraceclub.com.au

Early nominations for the Fred Cooper Cup include the Robert & Luke Price-trained First Courrier, who was just behind the placegetters in the Nowra Cup last start, and the Amanda Turner-trained So Sneeky, a winner of three of his 10 starts.

Racing in tandem on Friday will be Lismore’s Christmas Cup Raceday where entries include Dorset Coast and Storm Attack (trained by Matthew Dunn), Acoustix (Tas Morton), Jacksprat (Daiki Chujo) and Secret Conquest (Steve Field).

Taree race next Sunday with a heat of the Rising Star Apprentice Series. Georgina McDonnell and Amy McLucas are leading the point score with seven points apiece.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Kempsey
Tuesday: Orange
Thursday: Corowa
Friday: Goulburn, Lismore
Saturday: Dubbo, Moree
Sunday: Taree, Moruya