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Coonamble’s fifth year of hosting the $150,000 Newhaven Park WRA Country Championships on Sunday 17 March promises to be the best yet.

Queensland’s premier hoop James Orman will be making the trip west too Coonamble along with two of Sydney’s biggest names in Tommy Berry and Sam Clipperton.

Orman, who leads the Brisbane jockeys premiership by an incredible 35 wins, is excited about the opportunity to be part of the Newhaven Park NSW Country Championships and then to jump aboard some top quality horse flesh at the Rosehill trials the following day.

“Supporting racing is what I love doing so I’m really excited about Coonamble,'' Orman said.

Brett Robb and Sam Clipperton with the 2023 Country Championships trophy. (Pic: Grant Guy)

"Getting out to the bush and meeting the trainers, owners, punters and fellow jocks is great and I am sure it will be a massive day for the club.

"Chris (Waller) has also given me the opportunity to jump on a few at the Rosehill trials on the Monday. Gerald Ryan and so many of the Sydney trainers have been wonderful supporters of me so maybe there will be a few other rides for me at the trials."

No hoop loves the bush meetings more than Tommy Berry and he is ready to make an impact.

“Graeme Colless (Evergreen Turf) is one of my great mates and when he asked would I be interested in riding at the Championships meeting I couldn’t say yes quick enough,'' Berry said.

"I have been out there before with the team and the track has a magnificent surface so fingers crossed I can boot home a winner of two and the club can showcase itself on March 17."

Reigning TAB Everest winning rider Sam Clipperton rounds out the trio for the Coonamble trip and he will be hoping to snare the feature the $150,000 WRA Championship with rising star Gallant Star.

Brett Robb, in a boilover, was able to win last year’s $500,000 Newhaven Park Country Championships Final with Sizzle Minizzle with Clipperton in the saddle.

“Sam and I get on well and wouldn’t it be special if we could win it two years in a row but we have to book our spot first and that’s at Coonamble on March 17. Gallant Star is going terrific I couldn’t be happier with him.” Robb said

To book any of the jocks for Coonamble or the Rosehill barrier trials the following morning:
James Orman - Chris Waller Racing's Damien Fitton (0400 120 049).
Tommy Berry - Paul Joice (0410 529 809)
Sam Clipperton - Mark Van Triet (0425 720 249).

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