Inverell has the chance to shake off the COVID blues with a day at the races on Saturday.
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It's difficult to find some relaxing entertainment at the moment but Inverell Jockey Club have left no stone unturned to be able to stage their regular August meeting on Saturday.
Many sporting organisations including race clubs have had to abandon their usual programs but Inverell will conduct their race meeting with full compliance of government and Racing NSW health protocols.
The club has booked a brisk winter wind to blow the germs away so locals can enjoy a rare outing in what have been unprecedented times for all members of the community.
It might be chilly but the club hopes their hard work is rewarded with a good turn out to enjoy some great local racing and the first Group One race of the season, the Winx Stakes in Sydney.
Local trainer Mark Stewart had his first winner as a trainer on New Year's Day with "Fortnite".
Stewart has since proved the win was no fluke winning six races last season at a remarkable strike rate of 24 per cent led by "All Stand" winning four races in a row and emerging as one of the best sprinters in bush racing.
Mark has nominated half of his six horse stable for Saturday with Fortnite and Rubel doing battle in the Stewarts Grains 1200 metre BM50 Handicap and Fight For Love competing in the Blue Gem Contractors Maiden Plate over 1400 metres.
Trainer Nathaniel Scott will be hoping "Cabriere" will have a change of luck after running second in his latest runs at Moree and Coffs Harbour. Another runner for Scott is "Try Me Choice" in the 1400 metre Sunderland"s Cleaning Supplies Handicap.
Try Me Choice will be attempting to continue a long tradition of winners from the Mt Russell property "Morvada" for the McIntosh and Worgan families.
A total of 47 runners have accepted for the meeting with the first race to jump at 1.30pm.
The day also sees the debut of the "Delta Blues Café" on course providing racegoers with a fresh choice in race day meals and refreshments.
COVID protocols require racegoers to be seated at tables unless walking to the canteen, bookies or bar but they will be able to walk to the parade ring to see the horses and watch each race.
The club is hoping for co-operation by punters to make it a fun and trouble-free day for all.
Bookings are required with information including online options available from the club website www.inverelljockeyclub.com or by contacting club secretary Karen Fontaine on 0403 403 004 or email info@inverelljockeyclub.com