| 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. Wednesdays
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 days 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 Shindys Inn. Cath and Dave from Shindys 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 Simpsons, will entertain crowds
till late at Shindys Inn on the Friday night and Cobars 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 Shindys 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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