After the disappointment of Racing NSW failing to agree that the track was safe for racing last Monday, and transferring the CBC Picnic Races to Cobar, the CBCPRC set about to provide a day for the community, regardless. 

Believing it was a day they really needed, the club were determined to provide for their sponsors and supporters, a great day out in the bush. And indeed they did!

Drawing a crowd of around 550 adults, and an estimated 250 children, they were treated to a wonderful day’s entertainment.

Foot races, face painting, jumping castle, a competition to guess the weight of Oreo, a tiny pony, were all popular, as was Fashions on the Field and helicopter rides with North West Helicopters.

But unlike their usual picnic race meeting, the highlights of the day were the Stockman’s Dash for Cash, and the Dog Jumping Competition.

Eight stockhorses were paraded and auctioned for the calcutta, bringing in a pool of $13850, before their competent riders mounted and prepared for the 300metre dash down the home straight of the course. 

Local stockmen and women enjoyed their dash. IMAGE: Penwood Creations

It was only fitting to name it The Men from Namoi River since Banjo Patterson had written a poem about Come By Chance. 

In our iconic Australian bush style, a poem in similar vein, was pencilled for the occasion.

The Stockman’s Dash for Cash

There was movement in the village, for the word had got around

That Racing NSW had cracked its whip!

Said no horses at the picnics, the track too cracked and dry,

“Well bugger me”, the committee sourly quipped!

Local knowledge didn’t matter, their expertise was overlooked,

No talking or convincing could get it passed,

So the committee rallied hard, regrouped and changed their plans,

Then said to Racing NSW, “well up your arse!”

No horses, that’s not happening, we’ll do it our own way,

And announced there’d be a race – the Stockman’s Dash!

And in honour of old Banjo, who’d scribed of Come By Chance,

It was named The Men from Namoi River, and there’d be cash!

It’s modern times, and a pretty girl, is sitting high and proud,

She’ll match it with the blokes, I have no doubt,

Gather round and check these horses, can you pick which one will win,

And buy the horse you think will have that rugged clout!

                                                             Anonymous

The crowd was captivated, anticipation intense and the roar at the finish line was heard for miles! 

The Stockman's Dash was a super crowd pleaser. IMAGE: Come by Chance Picnic Race Club facebook

In a very close finish, the winner was Charlie Friend from Walgett, Charlie Colless from CBC a nose behind, followed closely by Ali Colless, CBC, in third position. The lads from Albies College at UNE were rather excited to have bought the horse in the calcutta, and greeted him with rockstar status after the race.

The dog jump was equally well received with a calcutta pool amounting to $14000. Unlike the Stockman’s Dash, which was over in a flash, the dog jump entertained the crowd for a much longer period. Again, it was a hotly contested event, with Bridie (Charlie Colless’ dog), taking the title from   Bungie (Tim Fenwick’s dog, from Cryon), in a count back.

Man's best worker took centre stage in the Dog Jump. IMAGE: Come by Chance Picnic Race Club facebook

Maddie Warden then kicked her band into gear, and the rock star status reached a whole new level - Comby absolutely rocked the night away. Together with a spectacular display of fireworks from Holy Smoke Fireworks, we could not have wished for a better night.

Thank you to our wonderful supporters for travelling to Comby from near and far, and to those who contributed in any way to make the day successful. A special thank you to Chris Clemson, Guy Yeomans and Melissa Ozoux for all your assistance on the day.

From all reports, our Comby was ‘epic’ and ‘phenomenal’!

Although disappointed that the CBC Picnic Races did not take place in Come by Chance, the greater concern for the committee and wider community is for the future of racing and the survival of small picnic race clubs within the bush.