Image: Country Punter.
Another winter carnival of racing will kick off in Narrandera on Saturday, with the Narrandera Race Club hosting its L.W. Peacock Memorial Race Day.
The six-race Sky 2 meeting is dedicated to the late Les Peacock, a long-term committee member for the Southern Districts club.
“Blue (Les Peacock) was the President of the Club in the late 1980s, and was instrumental in turning the club’s flagging fortunes by encouraging a new, energetic group of people to come on board,” Narrandera Race Club Racing Manager Michael Bailey said.
“The day is sponsored by a Murrumbidgee Property Agents, and we sincerely thank Rachal Broadbent and her team for that ongoing support.”
Plenty is happening around Narrandera Race Club, which is offering members a chance to win big at any of their three meetings in 2025.
“We have our members’ only race day draw, which starts at $500 for Saturday’s meeting,” Mr Bailey said.
“All you need to do is be on course and be a member to collect the prize. If it’s not claimed, it will jackpot to $1000 for our Community Bank Narrandera Cup Day on July 13, and if not claimed then, it will jackpot to $1500 ahead of our Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club T.C. Lee Community Race Day on August 16.
“Details of the raffle and membership are available on our socials or by emailing ndrarace77@ gmail.com.”
Racegoers and supporters of the NRC also have a unique ownership opportunity with two-time Narrandera Cup-winning trainer Craig Weeding.
The Weeding Racing team will start a runner at the T.C. Lee Community Race Day, and one lucky racegoer will win 10% in that horse for the day, along with a drinks and lunch package and a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Craig Weeding and their runner.
“The club has some exciting initiatives this year, including our ‘become an owner of a horse for the day’ raffle at the Narrandera Ex-Services Club ahead of our T.C. Lee Community Race Day,” Mr Bailey said.
“It’s something a little different, and we’re hoping it will help attract more people to the races, while shining the light on a successful trainer that strongly supports racing in Narrandera.”
The L.W. Peacock race day leads into the Narrandera Cup carnival in July, which kicks off with the Narrandera Cup calcutta on July 12 before rolling into the Community Bank Narrandera Cup meeting on July 13.
“On Cup Eve, Saturday, July 12, the annual calcutta will be held at Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club with the TAB in town promotion on the night offering lucrative prizes to successful tipsters, along with plenty of give-aways,” Mr Bailey said.
“A no-cost event, tickets for the Calcutta will be on sale from 5pm on the day, the draw will be at 7.30pm, and the auction, hosted by special guest, SKY Channel’s Graeme White, will commence at 8pm.
“A huge thanks to local auctioneer Ryan Burden, who will be in charge of the hammer on the night, and Drew Kenna, who has been the main driver behind recent successful Narrandera Cup calcuttas.
The Narrandera Cup race day will attract good horses. A record $70,000 is on offer in the Community Bank Narrandera Cup (1600m) – a qualifier for the $3 million Big Dance. On the day, the eight-race showcase program will be up for grabs, with $310,000 up for grabs.
“We’re expecting another big crowd, and marquees and tables are available now, but we encourage people not to leave it too late to book,” Mr Bailey said.,
“The record prizemoney should ensure top-class winter racing in Narrandera, which will stand up to the very best racing across country NSW as we look to continue building on recent seasons.”
For now, Narrandera Race Club’s attention is on Saturday’s meeting, which has been well-supported by trainers and owners. 163 horses were entered ahead of Thursday’s acceptances.
The club will offer free entry into Saturday’s meeting, and with a fully licensed bar, canteen, TAB, bookmakers, and indoor seating, it’s set to be a good day.
