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By Mark Brassel

It’s ‘4G week’ and we’re not talking about the fourth generation of the mobile cellular network!

Leading off the charge is Grafton and Gunnedah on Monday with eight and seven race cards respectively.

On Thursday it’s Goulburn’s turn with a seven-race program before the week winds up with Glen Innes Cup Day on Saturday.

A large crowd is anticipated for Saturday's Glen Innes Cup meeting. Image by Bradley Photographers

The Glen Innes Services Club Cup is the feature race for the ‘Ladies Day Autumn Edition’ meeting which is a replacement card after a freak storm wiped out the usual Cup Day in January, when a phantom meeting was staged.

“This one’s for the ladies and we’re celebrating with free gate entry for women and a complimentary drink on arrival,” said Glen Innes Jockey Club’s Barry Luxford.

“We have a stylish Black & White dress theme inspired by the glamour of Derby Day and is perfect for an autumn racing vibe.

“This is the ultimate country day out to soak up the social atmosphere with bubbles in hand all set against the backdrop of Glen Innes’ rolling western hills.

“We have live entertainment throughout the day and after the last race there’s an official after-party at Glen Innes Services Club.

“A bar, bookies, a TAB and food stalls will also be available with a Cup Calcutta held at Glen Innes Services Club on the Friday.”

Grafton’s meeting tomorrow, Lawrence Cup Day, is likely to be run on a heavy surface with a shower or two forecast.

Murwillumbah trainer Matthew Dunn has entered seven gallopers and heading those is Majorelle in the Benchmark 82 Handicap (1205m), with the gelding a last start winner of the Brushgrove Cup at the same course three weeks back.

Dunn has also nominated an interesting galloper in Heika who will make his debut for the stable.

Heika was previously trained by Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich at Scone and is a winner of four of his only eight starts with doubles at Muswellbrook and on his previous home course.

There will be a special Lawrence Cup Calcutta function tonight at the Lawrence Tavern commencing at 5:30pm with tickets sales before the Calcutta starts at 7pm.

Meanwhile, NSW racetracks in the Northern Rivers Region are being monitored following recent wet weather and a forecast for further rainfall in the Region over the next fortnight.

The surface for Friday’s Coffs Harbour meeting has been labelled heavy with a similar reading for Lismore on Saturday.

Murwillumbah (Monday 12 May) has received a great deal of rain and the conditions of all these tracks will be continued to be monitored with possible meeting transfers.

There should be no problems with Gunnedah tomorrow as little to no rain is forecast today and tomorrow with the course rated a Soft 7 which could improve by the morning.

The Club has a BBQ lunch, TAB, bookies and a coffee cart with trainer Greg Hickman taking up three horses Johnny Be Swift, Tigers Roar and Eclater. Hickman won 11 races from 50 rides as an amateur jockey before joining a Gunnedah racing stables.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Grafton, Gunnedah
Thursday: Goulburn
Friday: Coffs Harbour
Saturday: Glen Innes, Lismore, Marthaguy picnics at Quambone (non-TAB)
Sunday: Mudgee, Queanbeyan