Louth Next On The Outback Racing Trail

Friday, 09 August 2002 00:00

Scores of aircraft from all over Australia are bringing racing fans and Outback enthusiasts into the Darling River town of Louth for the first meeting of the 2002 Outback Racing Trail at the week-end.

"The ‘air fleet’ we’ve got coming includes a couple of old DC3’s on their way from Sydney carrying enthusiasts for the seven-race meeting which carries $51,000 in prize money and trophies," says Louth Turf Club chief, Don LeLievre. "People are coming in from Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, Cunnamulla and all places in between," he added.

"There’s even a 19-member pipe band flying in from Newcastle. The support is unprecedented and the success we are looking at would not have been possible without our sponsors, including Cathay Pacific – which donated two return tickets to Hong Kong for a raffle – the prominent pastoral company, Clyde Agriculture, the ‘Land’ newspaper, countryenergy, Cobar Toyota, the Ramsay health care group and Wesfarmers and the Elders group."

The "Trail" promises an event to suit every Outback traveller – and the racing is a real rollcall of great Outback towns – Louth, Nyngan, Enngonia, Collarenebri, Bourke, Warren, Broken Hill and Brewarrina.

The series of race meetings finishes at Brewarrina on November 16.

"This is a wonderful opportunity during this Year of the Outback for people who may never have been bush before to combine that experience with a great day at the races," says Brian Judd, Chief Executive, NSW Country Racing Council.

"People can choose the meeting that most suits them and take in some of the great Outback scenery and historic towns at the same time.

"Why not work in a fishing trip to the Menindee Lakes with a trip to the Silver City meeting, for example?"

Running across all races at Outback Racing Trail events will be the "King of the Outback Series."

Sponsored by the Bourke Bowling Club, the series will carry bonuses of $3,500 - $2,000 for first, $1,000 for second and $500 for third - for the most successful horse on an aggregate points score over the eight meetings of the Outback Racing Trail.

And more of these great meetings are on the way.

Brian Judd says the "Trail" is part of a concept of ‘theme meetings" the CRC is focusing on developing through its seed funding programme throughout the State during the next 12 months.

"We are showing that racing can be a great family day out and also show what our Outback areas can offer."

Media Release - NSW CRC