Booringa Cup storms ahead

Race day in Mitchell was elevated by the recent facilities upgrade at Maranoa Diggers Race Club.

Madeleine Wishart on Chocolate Oreo, followed by Zoe White on Lucky Dealen. Picture: Jorja McDonnell

HORSE RACING: Maranoa Diggers Race Club had much to celebrate over the weekend.

More than just a successful race day, Saturday also marked the official connection of mains power to the Mitchell racecourse, which until then had relied on generators to run every event.

On the track, third-ranked country apprentice Madeleine Wishart snatched the most wins over the five-race program, running three wins and a second.

Riding for trainers Wayne Baker, Donald Baker and Craig Smith, Wishart recorded her best strike rateto date on the Mitchell track.

Her wins were bookended by fellow apprentice Zoe White, who took out race one on Jackie Crompton's Champagne Warrior.

White also took out the major prize, the Booringa Cup, on Priceless de Hero, a six-year-old gelding trained by Pat Webster.

This win reinforced what punters have observed all season - that this young jockey is part of a dream team alongside Webster.

White also took places on two of Webster's mares, Ayla's Angel and Lucky Dealen.

Track side, punters were enjoying the canteen, bar and bookies as usual, with all facilities bolstered by the new and consistent power connection.

Such a joyous occasion for the club required a special announcement from its leadership committee.

While standing atop one of the tables at the bar, club secretary Jan Chambers thanked punters for their continued support.

"The aim of the club was to make the facility more user friendly,” Ms Chambers said.

"The total cost of the project was $74,000, of whichthe club contributed $30,000.

"A big thank you to those who have supported our race days over the last 11 years to get us to this point.”

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