Emma Pritchard

The Clarence River Jockey Club (CRJC) paid tribute to local racing identity Darcy McDonald by naming a race in his honour during their recent meeting on April 22.

A former bookmaker, regular racegoer, and a cherished friend to many, Mr McDonald was a life member of the CRJC, and was part of the Grafton racing landscape for more than 50 years.

He passed away on April 17, aged 85.

“He was a good bloke who loved his racing,” said CRJC Chief Executive Officer Michael Beattie.

“He’ll be missed and remembered by a lot of people.”

Race 5, the Remembering Darcy McDonald Benchmark 50 Handicap over 1195m, was won by Armidale galloper Fight On Shades, trained by Stirling Osland and ridden by rising apprentice Cassey Williams.

The CRJC will host a seven-race meeting on April 30, with the 2023 Brushgrove Cup the feature event on the program.

It will be their third race meeting held within a fortnight after the club hosted a six-race program which was transferred from Casino over the weekend.