Horse racing returns to Casino

By Samantha Elley

Racing will be returning to Casino after somewhat of a hiatus and there have been many changes made, thanks to the seven-race card to celebrate the running of the 2023 Charcoal Inn Casino Gold Cup on Saturday, 12 August.

“ (Richmond Valley) Council spent money on the showgrounds, including the race track (earlier in the year) but the stewards believed the track wasn’t ready in time which affected Beef Week races which were important to the town,” said Casino Racing Club President, John Walker.

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“This time we got on the front foot and wrote to the stewards telling them they did not give due consideration to Casino and it cost the race club a lot.

“We got good responses from Country Racing and we’ve done some work.”

Mr Walker is pleased to announce that it is all systems go with the news the race track is ready and in great condition.

“From what we are seeing, the track has never been in better order,” Mr Walker said.

“Rectification works to three sections of grass on the racing track course proper, including drainage improvements and the laying of 15,000 square metres of new kikuyu turf, has the track looking its best in years.

“Add in a solid watering and maintenance program targeted for optimal growth, including coring, aerating and topdressing, we now have a surface which will deliver highly competitive racing.”

Mr Walker said The Charcoal Inn Casino Gold Cup had always been a vital race day on the local racing calendar, and as this is the first meeting since last year and judging by the interest being shown, the atmosphere is preparing to be electric.

The Charcoal Inn Casino Gold Cup is also known for its Fashion on the Fields and the lucky winner this year will receive a $100 gift voucher from Arum, and a $50 Kwong Sings gift voucher.

Don’t forget the ever popular The Charcoal Inn Casino Gold Cup Calcutta, which will be held at The Charcoal Inn on Friday 11 August, getting underway at 6pm.

Gates open at 11am, and full TAB facilities will be available, as well as a fully-stocked bar and food.

Matt Hannigan (The Charcoal Inn Hotel), Mark Formaggin (Casino Racing Club – Vice President), Renee Opryszko (Casino Racing Club – Secretary / Manager)

Updates to the track

The Casino Racing Club continues to work with Richmond Valley Council on the $8.2 million Casino Showground and Racecourse upgrade project.

Funding for this vital upgrade was made possible under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the NSW and Australian governments.

The upgrade will see:

• The construction of a 40mx80m undercover arena for equestrian and other agricultural events.
• New 40m x40m outdoor sand arena adjacent to the new undercover equestrian arena.
• New racing stable complex to accommodate up to 80 horses.
• Ancillary works such as manure bays, wash bays and 22 outdoor day yards.
• Equestrian exercise area including round yard and horse walker.
• Rehabilitation and upgrade of the sand-based training track.
• Improvements to three sections of the grass racing track course proper.
• New truck and float parking area.
• Centre arena surface upgrade.
• Service upgrades including electricity, water, sewer and trade waste.

Council also received $918,814 under the Crown Lands Showground Stimulus Fund for the cut-out yard, cutting yard extension, electrical upgrades to new transformer and new amenities block, as well as $45,000 for improvements to drainage and repairs to internal access roads. A further $420,000 from the Drought Communities Fund saw the construction of the day stalls and powered camping to the overnight camping area.

Other works include:

• New training stable complex – three out of four stable blocks have been constructed with internal electrical and plumbing fit-outs underway. Stable panels are being fabricated, with installation planned for later this month.
• New services – new sewer, water and electrical services underway. This will be ongoing through to end of project with commissioning expected end of 2023.

· Undercover equestrian arena – main portal frame erected, tiered concrete seating near completion, erection of southern steel awning for shaded spectator seating installed, concreting continuing throughout August.

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