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By Mark Brassel

Easter is a monstrous occasion in the historic opal-mining town of Lightning Ridge and their race meeting on Easter Saturday is just part of the annual festivities.

Lightning Ridge swells in size with thousands of visitors flocking to spend Easter in a fun and vibrant way.

Lightning Ridge will race on Easter Saturday. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

“The town really goes off and apart from the races on Saturday, there is the Lightning Ridge Black Opal Bull and Bronc Ride on Good Friday, street stalls and a carnival,” said Melanie Bradley, Lightning Ridge Race Club’s secretary.

“As well, there is the annual Miners Rickshaw challenge, strength challenges, the famous egg & spoon races and a fireworks spectacular!”

Saturday’s six-race Lightning Ridge race meeting is staged on Australia’s only straight track.

LRRC board member, Angus Redmond, said: “It will be the first time we have raced for three years – last year we were rained out and previously we had to call it off due to COVID.

“Our feature race is the PW Concrete & Gravel Lightning Ridge Cup.

“PW Concrete in Lightning Ridge is our major sponsor, and the owner Paul Weeks has been a long-time supporter of the Club, both officially and behind the scenes.

“Paul has also played a huge role in organising track maintenance and getting the track up to standard for our raceday.”

Delchuzy from the Nicole Shields stable in Gunnedah is one of the entries for the Lightning Ridge Cup (1200m), last start the mare was runner-up to Manabar in the Narrabri Cup (1200m).

Gates open at midday with full bar facilities, tote and local bookies, a Fashions on the Field and merchandise on sale.

Tickets can be purchased online or cash/card at the gate. Go to – lightningridgeraceclub.com

Meanwhile, the famous Back O’Bourke picnic meeting returns on Easter Sunday.

“We have a variety of food stalls, a Fashions on the Field and a jumping castle for the kids,” said Club secretary, Sarah Barton.

“A full bar will be in operation along with TAB and betting facilities. The Club also offers a small range of merchandise for sale including stubby holders and mesh trucker caps.

“There will be prizes for the most successful jockey and trainer as well as a courtesy bus.

“Thanks go to those who support our Club with time and hard work to ensure the grounds and track are in the best condition for the day – without our volunteers, the day would not be possible.”

Back O’Bourke’s feature race is the Harry Hart Memorial Cup with the major sponsor, Rice’s Back O’Bourke Cordials.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Grafton, Tamworth
Tuesday: Armidale
Thursday: Albury
Saturday: Port Macquarie, Moruya, Lightning Ridge (non-TAB), Tocumwal (non-TAB)
Sunday: Nowra, Dubbo, Back O’Bourke picnics (non-TAB)