| Outback Racing at Louth Louth Races - Saturday
August 8th, 2009..... Racing in the village of Louth, situated on the banks of the Darling River 100km SW of Bourke and 132km NW of Cobar, dates back as far as 1880 when the Louth Christmas Races were held on the 27th December of that year. Featuring a two race program, the two mile open handicap with prize money of 60 sovereigns and a maiden plate over one and a quarter miles with prize money of 15 sovereigns. The next documented races were in 1889 and were staged over two days with five races and a two mile hurdle event on the first day followed by an eight race program on the following day. The most successful starter was a horse named ‘Winnie’ who was placed first in three races, carrying a weight of ten stone ( her opponents were only carrying around eight stone). These early race meetings may have provided inspiration for Henry Lawson's 'Louth on the Darling' in which he described Louth as a place that loved a drink, a punt and a party! Not a lot has changed for Louth in that respect and they have a reputation for staging a great party - an annual race meeting that keeps the crowds coming back year after year... racegoers love the sheer isolation of Louth, the colourful bush characters and the experience of watching the horses thunder past the winning post in a cloud of dust. These days the club stages a 7 race program, with prizemoney of $50,000 plus trophies and sashes for 2009, our 51st Anniversary of the modern day club. Sky Channel will be in operation for off-course and interstate punters and all the usual amenities such as betting fluctuation, bar, barbecue and afternoon tea will on course for the full utilization of patrons. |
Following extensive consultation with Police, the designated controlled drinking area for this year’s annual Louth Races on Saturday 8th August will be enlarged to encompass a more expansive area of the race course. New fencing will be erected to clearly define this area. It includes everywhere inside the racecourse, with the exception of the existing camping ground. “Our camping ground will remain unaffected by these changes” stated Louth Turf Club President Mrs Tess Le Lievre, “however race-goers unfortunately will no longer be able to bring along their own alcohol to enjoy by the running rail. These changes bring Louth in line with all other race meetings in NSW and were unavoidable.” To ensure the smooth operation and service of beverages to patrons, the Louth Turf Club plan to install a second bar and this will aid in reducing congestion around the current bar and bookmakers ring considerably. No alcohol is to be bought onto the course. BYO is still permitted in the camping ground. Wednesday’s Gundabooka Golf Challenge (5.8.08) sees over 100 die-hard golfers and just as keen party-goers chip and putt their way through the 9 hole outback course with the aid of just one stick. The day’s festivities are followed by a hearty dinner and charity auction, with proceeds for the day going to the Royal Flying Doctor Service as usual. |
Anglers will be vying for some great prizes in the Fishing Competition on the Thursday (6th August), with the weigh-in to be held around 5pm at… where else… but Shindy’s Inn. Cath and Dave from Shindy’s have organised live music that night and the hotly contested Damper Bake Off will once again see many camp oven cooks, (and wanna-bees) bring along their best efforts to the pub for judging.
The tiny Louth Public School are holding an Art and Craft fair from 9.30am on the Friday, which this year will also incorporate a Portrait competition and exhibition. Visitors can indulge in Devonshire teas, massage, aromatherapy as well as browsing the many display stands on offer.
Well known western NSW band, The Simpson’s, will entertain crowds
till late at Shindy’s Inn on the Friday night and there will also be live
music, guaranteed to turn the saddling paddock into one big, dusty dance floor
at the track following the final race. Friday night also sees the Calcutta and
a BBQ at Shindy’s Inn. Camping spots with firewood, toilets and a few showers are provided at the race course at a cost of $10 per person/night. This charge only applies to campers who arrive prior to Friday 8th August. Or you may choose to set up camp by the Darling River, adjacent to the village. Meals are available all weekend and there is a sealed airstrip with courtesy transfers for those wishing to travel by air
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| The Louth races
are held on the Saturday following the first Monday in August. i.e. 2010 races
will be on Saturday August 7th 2010 | ||
