Racing kicking in to lend bush a hand
All eyes on number ones at weekend Queensland race meetings.
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RACING :
Bush gallopers will be in the spotlight at Doomben on Saturday when they provide their connections with a unique thrill while racing for a worthy cause.
This week’s Doomben card features the 2019 TAB Country Cup Challenge Final (1600m) where country-trained horses from throughout the state have qualified for the rare chance to contest a Brisbane Saturday feature carrying $105,000 prize money.
The race is also part of a novel Racing Queensland initiative offering cash handouts to rural charities.
This Saturday and Sunday features the “1 for the Bush” initiative where Racing Queensland will donate $1000 each time the number one runner is victorious across the state’s three racing codes, with the funds to be directed to the Queensland Country Women’s Association’s Public Rural Crisis Fund.
Across thoroughbred, greyhound and harness racing, more than 120 races are scheduled to be held on Saturday and Sunday – this includes 68 TAB and non-TAB thoroughbred races, 34 greyhound races and 21 harness races.
In addition, the top-three placegetters from the Country Cups Challenge Final, will also have awarded $5000, $3000 and $2000 respectively to their connections to donate to a rural charity of their choice.
RQ chair Steve Wilson said racing had the power to unite communities and engender hope, but with the lingering drought conditions affecting most of the state, help was needed.
“I’d encourage as many people as possible, including betting operators, to follow Racing Queensland’s lead and support this important initiative,” he said.
“As an industry, we all have a role to play.”
Saturday race meetings will be run at Toowoomba the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Kilcoy, Barcaldine, Innisfail, Goondiwindi, Thangool and Ipswich.
Sunday race meetings will be held the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Redcliffe, Capalaba and Nanango.
Downs and southwest region horses who have qualified for Saturday’s starting 15 include Fab’s Cowboy, Hidden Budget, Money Ad, Ritchford, Eschiele and Marlahn.
Kilcoy Racing Club also hosts a series final on Saturday with Downs pair Cambooya Rock and Bagger Chance winning a place in the 2019 Cannonball Series Final (800m).
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