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By Mark Brassel

Ballina is one of many Aussie towns with a ‘big’ landmark and as such the residents’ claim to fame is the Big Prawn weighing in at 33 tonnes.

And on Friday Ballina will have another ‘big’ thing on the agenda with the running of the $65,000 Ballina RSL Ballina Cup (1590m).

The racing action will be 'big' at Ballina Racecourse this Friday

The winner of the Cup will qualify for the $3 million Big Dance (1600m) run at Royal Randwick in November.

“We have an excellent day planned with live music after the last race by popular local band The Feramones from Byron Bay,” said Matthew Bertram, General Manager-Ballina Jockey Club & Function Centre.

“They’re an amazing group with members having previously toured with top notch bands and artists like 10cc, Cliff Richard, Olivia Newton-John, Mike Oldfield and Joan Armatrading.

“And we have some great prizes on offer in the Ballina Fair Fashions on the Field, a giant screen, food trucks, a bar and café facilities, a full TAB and bookmakers and an all-inclusive VIP Marquee.

“A free bus will be operating with tickets online via ballinajockeyclub.com.au or nswtickets.com.au”

Inver Park is one of two Ballina Cup nominations from the powerful Kris Lees stable having powered home last start to score under 60kg at the Sunshine Coast in late December.

His other entry is Lord of Biscay who is also a winner at his latest run when leading throughout at the Gold Coast on 20 December.

The Club is hoping for better luck with the weather as the Cup was called off in 2024 but rescheduled and run six days later on a soft track.

UK import Without Revenge, the $3.10 second favourite in the race, bolted in from the popular elect Eaglemont ($2.05).

The following day is one of Tuncurry-Forster Jockey Club’s biggest afternoons with their wildly popular Seafood Raceday.

“It all kicks off just before midday at the McQuillan Pavilion with live entertainment provided by Hudson Rose with a five-course finger food selection,” said TFJC’s secretary/manager, Julie Manning.

“There is also a bar with bookmakers and a TAB located in front of the winning post.

“James Keith will also be entertaining in our new undercover Paddock area, so experience country music and Thoroughbred racing at its best – where the surf meets the turf!”

On Sunday it’s a ‘Go Troppo’ theme for the Cowra Cup with a fantastic day of country racing lined up.

Entry is just $10 for adults with kids and concession free. The Club will have a full bar with Eftpos facilities and a food van run by Rotary Club of Cowra. Gates open at 11am and there’ll also be bookmakers and a TAB operating.

The two feature events are the $36,000 Cowra Cup (1700m) and $32,000 Cowra Japan Cup (1200m), the latter recognising historical significance between the people of Cowra Shire and the people of Japan, originating from World War II.

On Tuesday is the opening round of the Dubbo Barastoc Sprint Series.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Muswellbrook
Tuesday: Dubbo
Friday: Ballina, Moruya
Saturday: Tuncurry, Tumut
Sunday: Taree, Cowra