Harness racing for Dad

Harness racing on grass at Warwick - the perfect day out for Dad? Picture: MAVIS MARCH.

THE Darling Downs Harness Racing Club (DDHRC) has come up with the perfect event for Father’s Day – their second proper meeting on the grass course proper at Allman Park, Warwick.
Club president Anthony Collins said as planning progressed after a successful race meeting in 2014, the club and Racing Queensland have secured Sky Racing and TAB coverage for this meeting to be held on 6 September – Father’s Day.
This will be only the second full TAB meeting on a grass track in Queensland covered by the TAB, the first being Deagon in 2014.
’’There is a massive buzz around town about this, the whole town is talking about it and people are really looking forward to it,” Anthony said.
“It’s great to have the support right through from our sponsors to Racing Queensland, everyone has been fantastic. Now, all that is required is support from the weather gods on the day and licensees on nomination day, without all of the above falling into place putting together this meeting is simply not possible.”
“The track is in magnificent order, and will be equally as good as last year’s meeting.”
“It is a huge bonus to have full TAB and SKY coverage, it really puts the Darling Downs Harness Racing Club back on the map and shows people that Harness Racing in country Queensland is still a major drawcard when we get a chance to bring it to the people.”
The club raised several thousand dollars for Relay For Life last year and similarly this year’s gate takings will be donated to the Cancer Council Queensland (CCQ).
Eight races will take place with the feature race being the Garrard’s Warwick Cup of $5000, as a co-feature the 2015 CCQ Jackie Bunch Memorial will be staged again along with several other community cups.
The club is adding several other attractions to the day for the family and kids alike. The Fashions on the field will carry a prize purse of over $1700 and the kids’ attractions include a jumping castle, face painting and an animal nursery.
A wine tasting stand will also be in operation. Nominations of 60 plus entrants from as far away as Tamworth and Redcliffe are expected.
For further information, club president Anthony Collins can be contacted on 0498 123 440 or email ddhrci@gmail.com.