Wet weather won’t stop Wean Amateur Picnic Racing Club from hosting their meeting this weekend, albeit the race day has been transferred from Saturday to Sunday.
Following recent rain and an inspection of Wean racetrack, which included a track gallop this afternoon, Racing NSW Stewards determined that in the best interests of the meeting proceeding that it be rescheduled a day later.
Club President Robert Groth said it was a good result for the club, with the only other options being that they didn’t race at all or attempt to host a meeting on Saturday at the risk of being called off after a race or two.
“It’s just a little bit soft, and our stipendiary steward, who was very good and understanding, couldn’t guarantee that we’d run a full program on Saturday,” Groth said.
“They graciously allowed us to race Sunday, which in years gone by probably wouldn’t have happened, so we’ve got to thank Racing NSW very much.”
Groth understands the last-minute change of day might not work for everyone planning to go to the races, but he hopes that people still come out and enjoy a good day of picnic racing.
“Here’s hoping everyone can understand what we are going through and people still come and enjoy themselves,” Groth said.
“Racing NSW has got to look after the jockeys and horses, so for us to still be racing and for them to give us every chance to host a full meeting on Sunday is a good outcome.”
There are plenty of reasons to get out to Wean on Sunday, with the meeting one of the oldest continuing picnic race days in NSW and Australia.
Groth explained that his club was celebrating a very special milestone on Sunday.
“It’s the oldest picnic race meeting in our area, we kicked off in 1933, so we’re celebrating 90 years this year,” Groth said.
“There’s a lot of history behind the meeting because, after the first war, some people got together and wanted to create a gathering during what was a tough time.
“They had been through hell and decided the best way to do it was with a race meeting, which has been a tradition ever since.”
Located east of Boggabri’s township, the scenic location was originally the ‘Wean’ property and is now owned by Whitehaven Coal.
Whitehaven Coal allows the meeting to proceed at no cost to the club, and Boggabri and Gunnedah businesses support the annual race day.
“Whitehaven graciously lease us the land and let us race, and they also sponsor the meeting,” Groth said.
“All the Boggabri and Gunnedah businesses donate heavily, and in these times, where things are a bit tight, we are fortunate to have such sponsorship.”
In terms of racing, the Boggabri Business Houses Wean Picnic Cup (1600m) is the feature on the six-race card, and Groth is thrilled with the fields.
“It’s going to be great racing, and they are some of the best fields we’ve ever had,” Groth said.
Off-track, there is $1500 in prizes for fashions on the field, entertainment, bookmakers, and full bar and canteen facilities.
For more on the race day, click here.
For fields, click here.
