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By Mark Brassel

The small town of Carinda, near Walgett, boasts a population of around 150 but just over 43 years became world famous through its pub.

“The Carinda Hotel is under new management which has been great for our town,” said Carinda & District Race Club’s president, Taryn Gough.

“In fact, Carinda’s claim to fame was when David Bowie filmed his music video ‘Let’s Dance’ at the Carinda pub in 1983!”

Powering down the straight at Carinda's annual race meeting. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

Carinda has been racing since 1915 and on Saturday the town of just 40 (plus around another 110 living on properties nearby) will swell significantly.

“Every July our town with such a small population really booms to host a race meeting that sees over 600 people through the gates.

“We want to continue to increase our numbers so we can put more back into the club and to continue improving our facilities and grounds.

“We hope our good old country hospitality keeps our jockeys and trainers coming back each year as we know there is no races without them.”

The Carinda Cup meeting was originally held in December but has long since changed to be a winter program: “We have installed the new railing supplied by Racing NSW and will run a six-race program.

"Our day has the usual country racing bar, bookies, a Fashions on the Field, raffles and glamping (by Out West Tents) with the Cup sponsored by the Carinda Hotel.

“We love country racing and the excitement of showcasing dirt track racing,” Taryn added. “There is something raw about the horses pounding the dirt along the straight and raising the dust.

“While we might be a smaller race meeting, we put in 100% effort to put on a great day for everyone from the locals, the jockeys, trainers and the crowd.

“We are huge supporters of all country race clubs, and our neighbours who race – we attend and share on socials to help in any way we can.

“It's a big effort for one day a year and country racing is underrated. It’s grassroots racing, or in our case dirt roots!”

Taryn has been club president since 2024 but wanted it known “It’s not just me! Our whole committee and community are amazing and get their hands dirty to help.

“From our treasurer Libby Caton to secretaries Rachel Lamph and Bec Mclellan, vice-president Ernie Campbell (long timer & book of knowledge) and Matthew Corless (track manager), along with the whole of Carinda, they’re all stars!”

Meanwhile, Grafton’s two biggest racedays of the year will be staged on Wednesday and Thursday.

Wednesday is GDSC Ramornie Handicap Day highlighted by the $200,000 Listed-Ramornie Handicap (1200m) and the $80,000 Grafton Guineas (1600m).

Also on the program is the $50,000 Super Maiden Showcase Plate (1700m) which is part of the lnglis Xtra Bonus Series carrying an additional $100,000 bonus for eligible gallopers.

The following day sees the running of the Carnival’s feature, the $200,000 the Westlawn Finance Grafton Cup (2350m). The Carnival concludes next Sunday with Maclean Bowling Club Maclean Cup Day.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Dubbo, Quirindi
Wednesday: Grafton
Thursday: Grafton
Friday: Goulburn, Tamworth
Saturday: Inverell, Carinda (non-TAB)
Sunday: Grafton