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By Mark Brassel

Next Sunday’s The Panorama at Bathurst takes on great significance just five weeks out from the running of the $2m Kosciuszko at Royal Randwick on 18 October.

The 1300m race sponsored by Bathurst Panthers carries $110,000 but also puts contestants in the spotlight as they attempt to secure a Kosciuszko berth by attracting a winning slot holder.

The sweepstakes tickets are drawn this Wednesday (10am) and the winners then select a country-trained horse to run in their Kosciuszko slot.

Bathurst Thoroughbred Racing will host an excellent Cup meeting next Sunday. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

The Panorama is named after Bathurst’s legendary Mount Panorama and is one of many feature events on the eight-race card that carries a total of $370,000 in prizemoney.

Other races include the $30,000 Bill Aspros Cup (1200m) and the $50,000 Elders Emms Mooney Bathurst Cup (1800m) which carries eligibility for the $3m Big Dance at Randwick in November.

“The Bathurst Cup is a Big Dance eligible race that gets the winner a ticket into the feature at Randwick in November,” said Marianne Donnelly from BTR.

“Racegoers can enjoy a day filled with family fun including a jumping castle, magician, music and food vans and Pooka Entertainment with kids under 16 free entry to the track.

“We’ll have an exclusive Racing Lounge function with a fully catered luncheon including dessert with a private bar, TAB facilities, bathrooms and a view of the track. There is also a Vibrant Stables Bar function and a Fashions on the Field competition is a must celebrating style and elegance.

“It's a perfect day for everyone to come and be part of the excitement. Tickets for general admission and the two functions are now available at 123tix.”

The two main races were last year won by the Sara Ryan-trained Money From The Sky (Bathurst Cup, ridden by Ben Osmond) and the Mack Griffith-trained Compelling Truth (The Panorama, Ben Osmond).

This Friday Tuncurry-Forster Jockey Club comes out of hibernation and embraces the warmer spring weather with its Cup meeting.

The feature, the $100,000 Tuncurry-Forster Cup (1600m), is another qualifier for the $3m Big Dance at Randwick.

“Aside from the Cup we have the Evermore Pearl [1200m] which has had an increase in prizemoney to $50,000 this year,” said Julie Manning, vice-president/secretary of TFJC.

“There will be live entertainment in The Paddock and The McQuillan Pavilion with function spaces available for booking that are perfect for groups and special occasions.

“And there is the Gazebo catering option for a premium raceday experience, and we’ll also provide a free bus service to and from the event with gates opening at midday.”

Meanwhile, Saturday is the annual Yenda Group Griffith Cup Day at Dalton Park Racecourse with gates opening at 11.30am.

There will be a six-race program with food vans, a bar, live music, free face painting and kids’ activities.

Complimentary buses depart Griffith Visitors Centre from 11:15am and return from the course after 4pm.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Tamworth
Tuesday: Grafton, Queanbeyan
Thursday: Lismore
Friday: Tuncurry-Forster, Goulburn
Saturday: Armidale, Griffith, Collarenebri (non-TAB), Geurie picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Bathurst, Coffs Harbour