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By Mark Brassel

Grafton will hold a special Remembrance Day on Wednesday’s stand-alone race meeting that honours one of their most revered sons.

The late Mr Rex Kelly

Rex Kelly, 80, passed away last week and after riding around 1500 winners, became a long-term trackwork supervisor at Clarence River Jockey Club.

Rex was also official starter for the Northern Rivers Racing Association for many years and was awarded CRJC Life Membership in recognition for his significant contribution to Grafton racing.

“Our Board, with the blessing of the Kelly family, will devote Wednesday’s meeting to remember Rex,” said CRJC’s CEO, Michael Beattie.

“Traditionally this day is life members day and whilst the Life Members Cup will still be conducted, it’s appropriate to recognise Rex’s lifelong contribution to our sport.

“It is free entry and many of Rex’s friends are invited to attend what will be a very special celebration of a man whom Grafton owes much gratitude for his loyal service.”

Meanwhile, the mid-North Coast town of Kempsey will be celebrating Akubra Kempsey Cup Day on Friday, the Race Club’s biggest event of the year.

“There’ll be lots of cold beverages available as well as a variety of food trucks serving some nice food along with our canteen,” said Daryl Smith, Secretary of Kempsey Race Club.

The 2025 Akubra Kempsey Cup will be run on Friday. Image by Trackside Photography

“The reserved area is nearly booked out so we’re anticipating a large crowd of up to 4000 people.

“Entry is only $15 and $25 for a guaranteed table and chairs undercover, so patrons should book early to avoid disappointment.”

The eight-race TAB meeting is headed by the $40,000 Akubra Kempsey Cup (1450m) and being a Racing NSW Country Showcase program, it carries $285,000 in total prizemoney.

Of course, Tuesday is Big Dance Day at Royal Randwick featuring the $3m Big Dance (1600m), $750K Little Dance (1600m) and $250K Barn Dance (1300m).

There are seven NSW country race meetings during the afternoon including Dubbo Turf Club’s second meeting in four days having raced yesterday.

“We host the Dubbo Plasterboard & Building Supplies Big Dance Day,” said DTC’s General Manager, Sam Fitzgerald.

“Come out and enjoy a relaxing day and catch all the action from the local program, as well as racing from across Australia.”

Sapphire Coast has Fashions on the Field with free buses to and from the track and food vans, bars and bookmakers.

Murwillumbah hosts Chandon Big Dance Raceday with all hospitality sections operating along with buses, and Muswellbrook provides live music by Cosmic Duo with the Big Dance and Melbourne Cup both on the big screen.

Tamworth has a Fashions on the Field sponsored by Tamworth Shoppingworld with gourmet food, private pavilions and exclusive members’ events.

It’s free entry for Taree’s Big Dance/Melbourne Cup meeting with the Turf Bistro and Bar operating along with a TAB and on-course bookmakers.

And Wentworth has a big screen with on-course catering and a fully stocked and reasonably priced bar. A Fashions on the Field will be part of the entertainment with an on-course tote and bookmakers, and live TV coverage of the Big Dance and the Melbourne Cup.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Ballina, Corowa
Tuesday: Dubbo, Sapphire Coast, Murwillumbah, Muswellbrook, Tamworth, Taree, Wentworth
Wednesday: Grafton
Friday: Kempsey, Albury
Saturday: Goulburn
Sunday: Armidale, Warren