Foxwell and Tough James dead-heating in the Harden Cup. Photo: Alexandra Stares Photography
The sun, a benevolent golden orb in the azure sky, cast a perfect light over the grounds of the Harden Picnic Races.
A cool, gentle breeze swept through, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass and excitement, making it an idyllic Saturday for the town’s event of the year. From the earliest arrivals, a sense of joyous anticipation hung in the air, a palpable hum that promised a day of both exhilarating competition and convivial celebration.
The day was a vibrant kaleidoscope of social and sporting pursuits. On one side of the track, the “Fashion on the Field” competition was in full swing. Ladies in their finest hats and gentlemen in sharp suits strutted and posed, hoping their exquisite ensembles would catch the judge’s eye.
The array of sartorial splendour was truly something to behold, from elegant fascinators adorned with feathers and lace to bespoke three-piece suits in daring shades.
Yet, the crowd favourite, who perhaps best embodied the lighthearted, celebratory spirit of the day, wasn’t a fashion plate in silk or tweed. It was a gentleman in full jockey silks, cheerfully posing next to his rather majestic (and inflatable) horse companion.
As one spectator from the Times wryly noted, the blow-up steed was probably “as close to the winner’s circle as any horse we backed all day.”
Meanwhile, a different kind of sartorial choice was being made closer to the action. In a quirky substitution for a cancelled horse race, the human race drew a competitive crowd. Here, the fashion was purely strategic: shorts and running shoes, worn by those prioritising speed over style. The makeshift track buzzed with friendly rivalry as participants, some unexpectedly agile, jostled for position, their laughter mingling with the cheers of the onlookers.
But the heart of the day, of course, belonged to the thundering hooves and the determined jockeys. On the main track, the horses, riders, and trainers were all smiles, praising the impeccable track conditions, which were rated as a “Good 3” for all races. The fast track promised a day of swift times and thrilling finishes.
The racing commenced with the Narellan Pools, Radio 2LF & Graymont Class B Handicap (1100 Metres). The excitement was immediate as MEGAFLASH, under the skilled hand of Ms Sarah McDonough, surged to victory, finishing first from barrier 1 with a weight of 64.5kg. Connie Greig’s SUN BEAUTY, with Leandro Ribeiro aboard, gave a strong showing for second, followed by Mont Waters’ SAMPSON, ridden by Ms Emily Waters. The final time for the race was a brisk 1:05.51, setting a high bar for the day. Next up was the Irving Family, Donges IGA & Hilltops Council Maiden Plate (1300 Metres). This race saw another impressive display from jockey Leandro Ribeiro, who piloted Michael Travers’ SUNCONE to a first-place finish from barrier 2, carrying 65kg. ONE SPECIAL GIRL, trained by Andrew Dale and ridden by Ms Emily Waters, claimed second, battling hard against the winner. The time for this race was 1:17.89, with SUNCONE proving its maiden status was quickly a thing of the past.
The stakes grew higher with the Ray White Rural Harden & Terry Bros Carpet Court Open Trophy HCP (1100 Metres). Once again, the partnership of Connie Greig and Leandro Ribeiro proved formidable. Their horse, LINE OF LAW, claimed a narrow victory, finishing just 2 lengths ahead of CASSIMIR, ridden by Ms Emily Waters for Mont Waters. It was a testament to Ribeiro’s consistent performance throughout the day. The race was run in an impressive 1:04.69, a testament to both the horses’ speed and the excellent track conditions.
However, the true drama, as always, was reserved for the main event: the Redbank North & Dunk Insurance Harden Picnic Cup (1400 Metres). This was the race everyone had been waiting for, and it certainly delivered. As two horses thundered toward the finish, the crowd roared, the tension palpable. So close was the battle that the official Stewards were completely unable to separate the pair. In a rare and thrilling outcome, the prestigious Harden Cup was declared a dead heat between TOUGH JAMES (ridden by Ms Sarah McDonough for Steve Cunningham) and FOXWELL (with Ashley Boyd aboard for Russell Green).
The official comments noted it as a “Dead Heat for 1st.” It was a finish that would be talked about for years, a truly unforgettable moment of shared victory.
Leandro Ribeiro then capped off his stellar day in the Demondrille Merino’s, Glover Shearing Plus & Harden Automotive Conditional Picnic Handicap (1400 Metres). Riding Connie Greig’s MARYLAND BRIDGE, he secured his third victory of the day, a remarkable achievement that solidified his status as the standout jockey. The pair held off a strong challenge from LOCKADENTE, trained by Dennis Bush and ridden by Ms Anaelle Gangotena, winning by a margin of 0.62 lengths. The race time was 1:23.87, bringing a fitting conclusion to a fantastic day of racing.
When the final horse race concluded at 5:00 pm, the energy only amplified. As the equine competitors retired for the evening, the air filled with the lively strains of Stewy Barton and his crew of merry men. Their great tunes transformed the racetrack into a dynamic dance floor, giving the entire town the perfect platform to celebrate a fantastic day. From classic rock anthems to popular hits, the music kept feet tapping and spirits high, ensuring the festive atmosphere continued long after the last horse had left the track. Friends laughed, families danced, and stories of the day’s races, particularly the thrilling dead heat, were recounted with animated gestures and passionate debate.
Huge congratulations were for President Nathan Schofield and his hardworking committee. The 2025 Harden Picnic Races had been a resounding, terrific success, meticulously planned and flawlessly executed. Every detail, from the pristine track to the evening’s entertainment, spoke of dedication and passion.
It was an event that truly brought the community together, creating memories that would last until the next gathering. The general sentiment was unanimous: everyone was already eagerly counting down the days to the 2026 Harden Picnic Races.
– Tully Potts
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