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By Mark Brassel

The agricultural town of Moree will make hay while the sun shines next weekend with its biggest celebration of the year culminating with Moree Cup Day.

It all starts with the WRHS (Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service) Charity Ball on Friday night that has become an institution in Moree, now into its 10th year.

“It’s a major fundraising weekend for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and is run in conjunction with Moree Cup Day,” said Michelle Gobbert, secretary of Moree Race Club.

Suit Day (Cassey Williams) lands the money during last year's Moree Cup Day. Image by Bradley Photographers

“The Club has adopted a new format this year, moving away from the traditional Father’s Day weekend and spreading the events over three days.

“Friday night is the chance for everyone to don their glamour with the Charity Ball and in recognition of the rescue service’s 50 years, the theme is a ‘A Touch of Gold’.

“Guest speaker is Daniel Mortimer, former NRL player and general manager of the family winery at Orange (Mortimers Wines).

“There’ll be some impressive auction items and a swag of raffle prizes before the night finishes with live band ‘Split Image’.

“On Saturday we have a new event with a four-person Golf Ambrose with a shotgun start in the afternoon, followed by the Moree Cup Calcutta at Moree Golf Club from 6pm.

“Sunday is Cup Day with the Showcase meeting handing out $300,000 of prizemoney and trophies, including the $55,000 Moree Cup and a $50,000 Super Maiden Plate.

“From Fashions on the Field to kids’ activities this is sure to be a great day out and patrons can pre-order Gourmet Grazing boxes and enjoy the atmosphere of raceday in a trackside marquee that’s available for the whole family to enjoy.”

Meanwhile, Murrumbidgee Turf Club will pay homage to a former Riverina legend with the running of the $35,000 Ian Reid Showcase Sprint (1200m) at Wagga on Thursday.

“Ian was in a league of his own and his association with Wagga racing could be matched by very few,” said Jason Ferrario, MTC’s CEO.

“His role as MTC judge spanned a remarkable 44-year period while he was also Southern District Racing Association secretary for more than three decades.

“Ian adjudicated on his 42nd and final Wagga Gold Cup when he put Trade Commissioner’s number in the winner’s frame in May 2014.

“Ian was the SDRA secretary from 1965 up to his retirement in 2001 and the MTC will honour him with the running of the Ian Reid Sprint and the presentation of a perpetual trophy donated by his late friend Gowan Williams, from Aimer Racing Weekly.

Back in 2015 Ian Reid remarked: “I loved what I did and that’s why I did it for so long. I drew and coloured the silks before raceday, and it helped keep my mind active. Some people did crossword puzzles, but I did this instead.”

Mr Ferrario added: “Ian’s son Peter, is the Sky Racing cameraman for the Thoroughbred Central coverage and presents the perpetual trophy on the race.

“The Ian Reid Sprint is the feature race, and we also have a $50,000 Showcase Super Maiden on the day.”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Grafton, Scone
Thursday: Wagga, Murwillumbah
Friday: Tamworth
Saturday: Grafton, Gulargambone
Sunday: Moree