With wet weather and flooding causing the cancellation of a number of race meetings across western NSW in recent months there was a sense of relief for organisers and racegoers when the QUBE Logistics Cotton Cup went ahead at Warren on Sunday 6 November.

Attendees were treated to a warm spring day for what is always a popular meeting at the Randwick of the West, with the track described as being in “outstanding order” by racing commentator Colin Hodges.

Dubbo based trainer Brett “Snow” Robb had a very successful day at the eight-race program which included his horse A Magic Zariz taking out the 1400 metres QUBE Logistics Cotton Cup. 

Bred by Wally Prout of Gilgandra and owned and trained by Robb, the ten year old gelding took his record to 15 wins and 19 placings from 64 starts, earning a total of $350,000 of prizemoney in the process.

“This horse ranks as one of the best and most honest gallopers to race in the central and western regions for many years,” Mr Hodges said.

Not only did Mr Robb train the winner in the prestigious Cup but also the second and third placegetters Great Buy and All Words, a popular trifecta with the punters.

During a memorable day for the trainer, who was recently named 2022 NSW Country Racing Trainer of the Year, he also had wins with Winning Factor and Morgenstern.

“Winning Factor (Clayton Gallagher, $2.80 favourite) dashed clear, turning for home and lasting to win the 1400 metres Nutrien Ag Solutions Maiden Plate, from Edith’s Joy (Anna Roper, $4.60) and Camp Cove (Julia Presits, $6),” Mr Hodges said in his racing report.

“Since being transferred to the Brett Robb stable Morgenstern has recorded a second placing and four wins from five starts, the latest being in the 1000 metres B & D Brouff Earthmoving Warren Jockey Club Sprint.”

Fashions on the Field judge Jess Taylor with runner up Abby Hunt (Warren), winner Sue Barclay (Nyngan) and Ash Evans representing sponsor Nevertire Hotel. Warren IGA was also a sponsor.

“First leg of a treble for Clayton Gallagher was the Michael Mulholland, Dubbo trained Wunambal ($2.25 fav.) which raced second to the hometurn and responded to strong riding to beat Merdeka (Julia Presits, $21) by a half head, with Yallah Sunrise (Grant Buckley, $7.50) third in the 1600 metres Richardson & Sinclair/Queensland Cotton Class 2 Handicap.”

“Brooklyn Star (Anna Roper, $3.80) raced to the lead before beating Hampton Cove (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $14) and Preemptory (Grant Buckley, $9.5) in the 1000 metres Matt’s Mates Class 3 Handicap.”

Sponsors Matt’s Mates wanted to commemorate Warren identity Matt Ceeney, who passed away tragically almost 12 months ago to the day.

Continuing with the Colin Hodges race report, “In the 1400 metres Hutcheon & Pearce Benchmark 58 Handicap, Memories (Anna Roper, $2.80 fav.) broke clear but was overhauled and beaten by Hemsted (Julia Presits, $6), with two lengths to the third placed Vital Verse (Grant Buckley, $9).”

“Grant Buckley brought the Clint Lundholm, Dubbo trained Obey ($5) from fourth to win the 1000 metres Halcroft & Bennett Benchmark 58 Handicap, from Foxstorm (Julia Presits, $4.80) and Apollo Star (Billy Cray, $9.50).”

“Gilgandra based Bryan Dixon prevented a clean sweep by Dubbo trainers when he won the 1000 metres Macquarie Toyota/Cumberland Country Golf Club Maiden Handicap with Flying Foxy,” concluded the racing report.

Mr Robb said it was an excellent day’s racing, with trainers, owners and jockeys welcoming the warmer conditions and a good racing surface. “There was good grass cover and the racing was as fair as you will get it at Warren. The club did a great job putting on the meeting.”

Warren Jockey Club President Matthew Colwell and Vice President Doug Druce at the Country Racing Conference at Randwick recently.

Warren Jockey Club President Matthew Colwell, who heads up a fresh committee was thrilled with how the day played out.

“Leading up to the weekend we had so much help from volunteers and committee members, it was fantastic,” Mr Colwell said.

“We had great support from our sponsors, and on the day the crowd was up and bar takings were also elevated. This is on the back of our membership more than doubling in the past year.”

The warm weather also brought out the spring fashions, with Fashions on the Field judge Jess Taylor saying florals and bright colours were a hallmark of the season. “It’s always fun to see the creativeness and inventiveness that goes into individual looks,” Mrs Taylor said.

“It was lovely to see everyone relaxing and enjoying themselves. With the recent weather and ongoing flooding issues, we all certainly needed a day of racing as a welcome diversion.”

Sue Barclay (Nyngan) won best dressed lady, with second place going to Abby Hunt (Warren), while Angus McKay (Warren) won best dressed gentleman.

Warren Jockey Club will host the Twilight Races on Friday 16 December.