| Outback Racing at Louth Louth Races - Saturday August 9th, 2008..... capture the magic of the Outback at one of the friendliest - and most unique - races days in Country NSW. 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 $100,000 plus trophies and sashes for 2008, our 50th 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. Last year saw the introduction of some controlled alcohol areas, but the club would like to stress that these areas are only around the bar and do not include the camping grounds or spots on the running rail. Wednesday’s Gundabooka Golf Challenge (6.8.08) 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 (7th 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 Cobar’s hugely popular
‘The Final Chord’ will guarantee the saddling paddock becomes one big,
dusty dance floor as they play late into the night at the track. 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. 2009 races
will be on Saturday August 8th 2009 | ||
