Harden Shire Council Parks and Gardens Supervisor Matt Schofiled
The Harden Picnic Races are back on after Stewards from Racing New South Wales approved the track on Monday morning, thanks to the efforts of Matthew Schofield of Harden Shire Council and the Harden & District Picnic Race Club Committee. Drastic measures were taken to ensure that the track was made a uniform colour, which was the original reason Stewards did not approve the track last Wednesday.
Tyre marks across the straight caused a discolouration of the surface, which was rectified by spraying the entire track to kill the grass. “Matt Schofield and the Shire were a big help,” said Harden & District Picnic Race Club President, Charlie Dyball. “He came out and had a look, and with advice from Racing NSW, sprayed the entire track.” According to Charlie, 59 nominations have been received for the Races, with 12 runners to line up for the prestigious Harden Cup, co-sponsored by Redbank North and Sibelco. ‘It’s Not My Fault’, trained by former Harden trainer Scott Spackman, will be racing for the $5,600 on offer for the winner.
Gates open at 11:00 am, with the first race of six to be run at 1:30 pm. Entry is $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for pensioners, with free entry for children under 15 years of age. A bus will be running locally to take people to the races and return them to town after the last race. The Picnic Races are held to coincide with the Cox Plate, and there will be screens for those to watch the race.
There will be a TAB presence, as well as local and interstate bookmakers. ‘Fashions on the Field’ will be receiving nominations up to 2:00 pm, with five new categories for this year. They are: Junior Racegoer (up to 12 years) Boys & Girls; Teenage Racegoer (13 to 17 years) Boys & Girls; Best Dressed Couple; Best Hat or Fascinator; and Best Dressed Lady & Gent. As in previous years, alcohol is not permitted to be brought in. However, bar facilities will be available.
