Emma Pritchard
The annual Yamba Golf and Country Club Blues, Brews and BBQs race day, hosted by the Clarence River Jockey Club (CRJC) on March 17, welcomed an exuberant crowd of more than 1000 racegoers over the weekend with many punters dressing in their finest and greenest ensembles in celebration of St Patrick’s Day.
Featuring live entertainment by Airborne Blues Virus, the Nathan Beretta Band, and Jason Delphin, along with plenty of children’s activities including face painting, a merry-go-round, and a jumping castle, 74 thoroughbreds accepted across the seven-race program.
Race 6, the Yamba Golf and Country Club Yamba Cup over 1175m, was the feature event of the afternoon.
With the track rated a Soft 6 and the rail in its true position following recent rainfall, horses with proven wet track form quickly caught the attention of punters while families promptly found relaxing spots to sit in the shade and enjoy the ambience of the occasion.
Undefeated on the course and an impressive last start winner, Casino galloper Maximum Vortex jumped from the barriers the short-priced favourite and raced to the early lead for star apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald, but as the field of 12 rounded the corner at the top of the home straight, $9.50 chance At Witz End shifted towards the centre of the track and took control of the race inside the final 200m.
Given a shake up by jockey Danny Peisley, the eight-year-old son of Group 1 winner Epaulette put his head down and charged to the line, defeating local campaigner Andy by 3.5 lengths.
50/1 outsider Ambridge (NZ) finished third.
The well-tried Maximum Vortex crossed the line in nineth place.
Trained in Lismore by Daniel Bowen, who only welcomed At Witz End into his stable earlier this month following his transferral from the Owen Glue yard, the imposing galloper recorded his eleventh win at start 59 and has also amassed more than $360000 in prizemoney.
CRJC Chairman Graeme Green graciously acknowledged the Yamba Golf and Country Club for their ongoing support of the annual race day and said he was pleased to see attendees enjoying themselves at the track.
The CRJC will host their next race meeting on April 1.