INVERELL Picnic Race Club is saddling up for this weekend’s day in their honour that also doubles as Diggers Cup day – one of the few Diggers Cup days that still exist in Australia.
Last years Diggers Cup winner “Sven” ridden by ageless Moree jockey Danny Frahm will ride again this Saturday ‘provided the rain stays away’ according to successful local trainer Cliff Beaton. Beaton trained the horse to an emphatic win last year.
For Inverell Sub-Branch President Peter Morris the day is also about commemorating veterans and everyone coming along to have some fun trackside.
“We have always enjoyed the day out here at the Inverell racecourse and we would like to extend an invite to all ex-servicemen and women and their families.
“We have been looked after every time we come out here and I am sure Saturday will be no different.”
The day is also shared by the Inverell Picnic Race Club and since its foundation in 1878, the club has hosted it’s race meetings at various race courses in the area during its esteemed history, including the course at the property “Goodwood” (now “Inverell Station”) and upon the flats of Belgravia in Inverell. Nowadays all race meetings are held at the Inverell Racecourse. It now shares this special day with the Diggers Cup.
The silver trophy, which is the Perpetual Inverell Picnic Race Club Cup, known as ‘The Foundation Cup’, was donated in 1938 to the Inverell Picnic Race Club by the last surviving founding member of the club.
Up until the mid 1990’s all races on the day were run with amateur jockeys and horses and specified races were for paddock fed horses only, where it was required that the horses be kept in a nominated paddock at Inverell Station for a period of three weeks prior to the race meeting. From the mid 1990’s onwards, this changed, and both horses and jockeys were registered (professionals).
Current President Matthew Ehsman said he and his committee are planning a fun filled day trackside at the Inverell Jockey Club Digger’s Cup and Inverell Picnic Race Club’s Annual Race Meeting to be held this Saturday, November 14.
“Membership costs $10 per year and becoming a member ensures that you are notified of upcoming functions and meetings,” said Ehsman.
“Last year saw IPRC promoting the day and/or night as an ideal Christmas Party venue for businesses and social groups alike. Due to the success of this concept, we are again encouraging businesses and social groups to contact us to book space for their Christmas party celebrations. They will have to hurry though.”
After the last horse race of the day it has become tradition for the crowd to join in and be entertained by a raucous collection of novelty races and this year will be no exception.
“As always fashions of the field will be held and the day’s celebrations will continue well into the evening, with the traditional post-race dinner-dance for IPRC members and guests. The food is always fabulous and the live entertainment has the crowd kicking up their heels all night long.”
The Inverell Picnic Race Club would also like to thank major Sponsor Inverell Retravision and Midea as well as other sponsors Wayne Hilton Plumbing, Hilton’s Townview Nursery, CL Squires & Co, Frame Rural Agencies, Look Sharp Hair Studio and Country An’ Workin” Gear as well as other minor sponsors.
“The IPRC Dinner-Dance will be held after the day of racing – tickets must be bought before Wednesday November 11 – they are $45 each, available from Ditchfield First National or by phoning Leah Taylor on 67230216. Ticket price includes entry, lunch between 1 and 3pm, two-course evening meal and wine with meal, and a live band ‘till late.”
Contact details for those wishing to become members or gain further details of this year’s race day activities: PO Box 796 Inverell 2360 or phone Matthew Ehsman on 67230225.
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