Emma Pritchard
The Yamba Golf and Country Club Blues, Brews and BBQ’s event drew more than 600 people to the Clarence River Jockey Club (CRJC) on March 27.
Featuring live entertainment, plenty of activities for the kids and a 7-race program, families and racegoers enjoyed a social day trackside, despite the persistent showers which drifted across Grafton throughout the day.
With the racing surface downgraded to a Heavy 9 and the rail out 5.5m, punters flicked through their form guides in search of proven wet track performers as the horses entered the mounting yard for Race 1, the Kensei Club Closing Soon Benchmark 66 Handicap over 2235m.
It was a prominent start for the locals when five-year-old Husson (ARG) gelding Honour Me kicked clear in the home straight to record a dominant victory after being rated beautifully in the lead by jockey Ben Looker for Grafton trainer Daniel Want.
While the Heavy 9 had several horses in the field off the bridle a long way from home, Looker was complimentary of the track condition during his post-race interview.
“The track is in good nick,” he said.
There was drama at the barriers before the starter released the field in Race 2, the Beach Barber Yamba Maiden Plate over 950m, when jockey Laura Cheshire was dislodged from her mount The Jaghill Comet after the horse became fractious.
Cheshire, who was on the comeback trail after a serious shoulder injury, was stood down for the remainder of the meeting and transported to hospital where she was diagnosed with soft tissue damage in her right shoulder.
Looker claimed a winning double onboard Kohinoor Lustre for another Grafton trainer Samantha McGuren in Race 4, the Bowlo Sport and Leisure Yamba Maiden Plate over 1725m, after a rail-hugging ride on the four-year-old daughter of champion sire Written Tycoon.
The feature event of the day, Race 7, the Yamba Golf and Country Club Yamba Cup Open Handicap, was won by another local, the Andrew Parramore trained galloper Andy.
Sent to the barriers the $3.50 favourite, the progressive three-year-old gelding by Whittington overcame a sluggish start and showed his tenacious spirit under the urging of jockey Sean Cormack to defeat Trevor Hardy’s gallant campaigner Aheadofhistime by a long neck on the line.
Northern Wilderose finished third, just over two lengths away.
During the presentation, CRJC Chairman Graeme Green acknowledged the Yamba Golf and Country Club for their support of the event and thanked racegoers for their attendance, despite the overcast conditions.
Racecourse Manager Drew Cookson was also praised for his outstanding efforts as the track surface remained near perfect, despite hosting two race meetings in five days amidst frequent rainfall.
The next race meeting is scheduled for April 11.