Fletcher Hunt, backed by the whole of his hometown, has played a steady debut game but his Newcastle Knights were trounced 28-6 at James McDonald Stadium Friday night by Parramatta.‘’Fletcher welcome to the NRL," commentator Andrew Voss said as Warren’s popular star leaped for the football taking a big catch from a powerful kick in the air from Parramatta half-back Mitchell Moses early in the match.‘’Wow - the Warren rookie has arrived in the NRL,’’ the commentators said.A sideline run and some tackles earmarked his debut but Parramatta had the early running, scoring twice in 14 minutes, Moses jumping high to score and Lomax extending the margin.The Eels dominating, Newcastle unable to get field position and couldn’t break through trailing 10 nil at half time.The Warren 20 year old was peppered by high kicks as the visitors were outclassing the opposition.Fletcher Hunt. IMAGE: Newcastle KnightsThe second half began with Parramatta holding their control.Warren’s rookie tried hard but when Eels winger Zac Lomax scored after the break with intent the visitors were on a roll.Brown delivered not long after making it 5 straight tries but Newcastle did make home fans happy when on the opposite side of the field winger James Schiller raced over.In the end it was 28-6.Fletcher Hunt heads to Bathurst next week when four time champions Penrith will face the Knights and with the country rookie fans from the west might make for a record crowd.Newcastle Coach Adam O’Brien said the Knights were lack lustre and a bit disappointing but praised Fletcher Hunt’s debut."Very proud of him, he was thrown in the deep end but played well and he did good things out there and tried everything he could, he is a good country kid.’’  

Newcastle Knights coach Adam O’Brien will keep Warren’s exciting debutant winger Fletcher Hunt away from the media spotlight as he prepares for the match of his life.The winger plays his first ever NRL match Friday night against Parramatta at McDonald James Stadium before more than 20,000 packed local fans."It will be a big occasion for him I bet the whole of Warren and Nyngan will be watching, he has a lot of family out there and deserves his spot in the team," says Adam O'Brien."I knew he had big potential when I went to Cessnock and saw him making breaks and he has good speed and I returned to watch him again and Fletcher looked strong again."The Warren Central School has sent Fletcher a video message through Facebook with his teachers and school mates sending out a congratulations - "We are so proud of you."The community has flooded social media congratulating the rookie winger who will partner superstar centre Dane Gagai who is set for his 300th NRL game against Parramatta at McDonald Jones Stadium.Hunt was thrust into the side to replace Greg Marzhew who was ruled out with a knee injury. Leo Thompson will also miss Friday's clash after a head knock, with Tyson Frizell shifting to the front row as a result. The reshuffle has seen Adam Elliott added to the starting side and Thomas Cant come on to the bench. Jack Hetherington has been listed as 18th man in his bid to return from a shoulder injury. Warren's local supermarket is backing their local star. IMAGE: facebookKnights coach Adam O’Brien says his young winger will be a key player but he does oppose Josh Addo Carr, the Eels tear away winger.Gagai has advice for the 20 year old country rookie."Don’t be intimidated by the pressure, go out and play your natural game and things will flow from there," he said."I know when I played my first game I made mistakes so don’t be keen to impress on your debut your game will come." The match begins at 6pm so Warren will be glued to Fox Sports tonight (Friday 16 June). 

Brewarrina Picnic Race Club secretary Belinda Colless says the track is in top order for their big Cup meeting this Saturday 17 May."We are the first picnic club to use the new PVC type running rail in NSW and the track looks good for Cup Day," Ms Colless said."We have had working bees to ensure the grounds look fantastic and we have had only 2millimetres of rain this week so the track is strong."The meeting is well supported with trainers from Cunnumulla, Moree, Tamworth, Scone, Nyngan, Dubbo and Cobar."Racegoers will be chomping at the bit after their big day was cancelled at the last minute in 2024.Fashion on the Field has big surprises for the large crowd with fantastic gift packs.“The Bre-Band will fire up after the last so the race fans can have fun after the last.," she said. “We can’t wait."Fashions on the Field? Always fun to be had at Brewarrina Cup Races. IMAGE: VisitNSW The Mining Pty Ltd Brewarrina Cup is the feature race over 1200metres.Scone’s Nikki Pollock will have two runners including 4-year-old gelding Hit Song who has performed credibly on the Picnic circuit, placed at Grenfell and Nyngan last two outings in similar standard fields.Pollock brings a team to Brewarrina with ‘a stand alone’ TAB meeting at her home track Scone but is confident of success. Volunteers getting the new PVC railings in and straight ready for tomorrow's big day. IMAGE: Brewarrina Cup Races facebookNyngan’s Rodney Robb brings Nannu a five year old gelding who was close to a win at Bourke two starts ago.Coonamble’s Star Stroke, trained by Stuart Canham, had no luck at Quambone but did win at Nyngan.  Gates open at midday, the six race program begins at 1.20pm.

By BRYSON LUFFThe Coolah Kangaroos journeyed to Coonamble in round 3 of the Christie and Hood Castlereagh League competition and whilst they came away with the competition points, they were very close to becoming another Bear trap statistic.The “Roos, the reigning premiers, had been rolling along nicely so far in the 2025 season, having claimed the Castlereagh Knockout Shield and scoring big wins in their opening two games, both played at Coolah, against Narromine and Cobar. Gut any thoughts of complacency should have been knocked out of them by an enthusiastic Bears outfit last Saturday at Coonamble.The game was well and truly in the balance throughout, being 4 all at half time with the lead changing on four occasions in the second stanza as well as being level at 10 all at one stage in the close and exciting affair.The Bears may have thought that they were going to cause a major upset when they led 16 to 14, but it was to be Coolah’s captain and co-coach, Chanse Burgess, who had the final say when he, much to the dismay of the Red and Black faithful, he went over for his third try for the afternoon to get his side up 18 to 16.Coolah vs CoonabarabranAnother close game was played out at Cobar when the Roosters entertained the Coonabarabran Unicorns.The day opened up on a sombre note with a minute’s silence being observed prior to the league tag game in honour of the two Coonabarabran boys, Max and Sam Johnson who tragically had they lives ended during the preceding week.The first grade saw the home side get out of the blocks quickly, at one stage leading 12 points to nil and again enjoying a 12-point buffer at 16 to 4 before going to the sheds at half time having allowed the visitors to fight their way well and truly back into the contest with the scoreboard then reading 16 to 14.As they did in the first half the Roosters dominated the early action on the scoreboard after the resumption of play, and they extended their lead to 26 to 14 before the Unicorns hit back to make it 26 to 20.A penalty goal to Cobar gave them a bit of breathing space at 28 to 20, and that breathing space proved to be the difference at the end with Coonabarabran scoring a converted try before the final hooter signalled a 28 to 26 win to the Chookies.DuneDoo vs BaradineThe Dunedoo Swans continued their good early season form with a 50 to 22 win over the visiting Baradine Magpies at Dunedoo in what was their first home game for the year.After leading 26 to 4 at half time the Swans had to survive a Baradine comeback after the break with the Maggies scoring rapid fire back-to-back converted tries to make a game of it with the margin between the two sides being just 10, the score being 26 to 16.However, the Swans were able to regroup, and they finished strongly to record their second win of the year.Swans captain coach, Sam Coe, who played a strong individual game, indicated that to win at home to him was important, for not only his team but for the Dunedoo community that had thrown so much support behind the resurgent Swans after the club did not field a first-grade side last year.Dunedoo centre Isaac Alchin is tackled by Baradine hooker Lane Hawkins. IMAGE: Peter Sherwood Photography & FramingNarromine vs WarrenThe remaining first grade game was played at Narromine on Friday night with the Jets hosting the Warren Bulldogs, coming away with a strong 53 to 6 win against the visitors.The Jets will feature in the match of the round this Saturday when they travel to Coonabarabran to take on the Unicorns.Both sides currently sit on seven competition points having had two wins and one loss, and whilst it is early days in the competition, a loss to either side could well have major consequences down the track and a hard-fought battle is expected.Coming soonAnother interesting game is scheduled to be played at Gulgong’s Billy Dunn Oval with the Bull Terriers hosting the Dunedoo Swans in a southern local derby.Prior to having the bye last weekend Gulgong registered a big win over the Baradine Magpies.Similarly, the Swans also had a sizeable win over the Magpies last Saturday so if the scores from those two games (against Baradine) can be used as any sort of barometer then a close game should be in the offering.Whilst that local derby is taking place down south there will also be one happening up north with Baradine at home to Coonamble.After two somewhat torrid road trips the Magpies will be looking forward to a home game against the Bears. Obviously, the Grizzlies will be well encouraged by their gutsy performance against the Coolah ‘Roos last Saturday, but whether or not they can transport the spirit that they showed in that game over to Baradine remains to be seen, because the Magpies are also renowned as a side that always lifts in front of its parochial home crowd.The remaining first grade game will be played at Warren, with the Bulldogs facing the daunting task of downing the Coolah Kangaroos.It is doubtful that Coolah will be showing any form of nonchalance towards this road trip following their scare at Coonamble last weekend and the Bulldogs will have their work cut out for them trying to contain the competition heavyweights.Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Round 3 scores.League TagNarromine 42 (Shian Chatfield 2, Haleigh McCarney 2, Lily Spackman, Lucy Dawson, Rebecca Trethowan tries, Shian Chatfield 4, Talith Chatfield goals) defeated Warren 18 (Ashanti Pennell, Brodie Boyd, Chloe Deguit tries, Maddie Marks 3 goals).Cobar 40 (Taylah Good 3, Bridgette Negfeldt, Aisha Schofield, Brianna Watson, Kayla Hasson-Williams tries, Watson 6 goals) defeated Coonabarabran 12 (Maeg Walton, Emily Mathews tries, Rachael Barron 2 goals)Coolah 60 (Molly Burgess 3, Brooklyn Blackadder 2, Mackenzie Blackadder 2, Monika Mistreveska 2, Breannah Burgess tries, Tori Mogg 9, Fiona Whitbourne-Martin goals) defeated Coonamble 0.Dunedoo 24 (Chelsea Gallagher 4 tries and 4 goals) defeated Baradine 4 (Suzannah Carey try).Gulgong 38 (Montana Liebeck 4, Matilda Minett, Cheyanne Leonard, Alexis Douglas, Lolly Tumpey tries, Claire Bodiam 2, Tumpey goals) defeated Gilgandra 6 (Trista Raines try, Kiara Brown goal).Competition ladderCoolah 9, Narromine 7, Dunedoo 7, Baradine 7, Cobar 7, Coonabarabran 5, Warren 5, Coonamble 5, Gulgong 5, Gilgandra 3.First GradeNarromine Jets 53 (Epeli Draundalo 3, Todd Edmunds 2, Jaack Isdale 2, Kaiden Hill, Corey Cox, Ryan Richardson tries, Cox 6 goals, Hill field goal) defeated Warren Bulldogs 6 (Donald Kennedy try, Thomas Potter goal).Cobar Roosters 28 (Kai Taylor 2, Nathan McAndrew, Kody Ford, Gerald Mackey tries, Thomas Plater 4 goals) defeated Coonabarabran Unicorns 26 (Sonny-Bill Walker, Luke Michael, Nick Willoughby, Koopa Thompson, Tyson Farrell tries, Brad Fuller 3 goals).Coolah Kangaroos 18 (Chanse Burgess 3, Hugh Wesley tries, Dan Lane goal) defeated Coonamble Bears 16 (Mark Jones 2, Brendan Draper tries, Brenton Glover 2 goals)Dunedoo Swans 50 (Rory Madden 3, Sam Coe 2, Tyler Bamblett, Ty Sutherland, Josh West, Mana Dermott tries, Sutherland 7 goals) defeated Baradine Magpies 22 (Allen Riley, Liam Fernando, Cameron Worrell, Tom Purdy tries, Fernando 3 goals).Gulgong Bull Terriers bye.Competition Ladder Coolah 9, Coonabarabran 7, Dunedoo 7, Narromine 7, Cobar 7, Gulgong 7, Coonamble 5, Baradine 5, Warren 3.Round 4 Saturday 17 MayCoonabarabran V NarromineBaradine V CoonambleWarren V CoolahGulgong V DunedooCobar V Gilgandra (League Tag)Check club socials and local media for game times.

Marthaguy Picnic Club committee had the track in good order and the field sizes were bigger than at many of the other Picnic Meetings held this season.A late burst carried the Connie Greig, Dubbo trained, Individualist to a last stride victory in the 1400 metres O’Brien Winter Partners-Marthaguy Picnic Cup on Saturday 10 May at Quambone.Foxstorm took the lead from Pacific Warrior and The Defiant One at the top of the straight and broke clear however Individualist (Paul Zerafa, $5.50) finished fast to beat Foxstorm (Zara Lewis, $7) by a head with Chapel Lane (Tamsin Gough, $9) in third place.Connie Greig had earlier won the 1200 metres GPS Rural & Macquarie Clothing Class 3 Trophy Handicap with Procyon Miss (Leandro Ribeiro, $2.50 favourite) which came from near last to beat strong finishing stablemate Chookster (Paul Zerafa, $4.40) by just over a half length while a close third was One Command (Arthur Pollock, $4).Trained at Cobar by Wayne Prisk, speedy mare A Tender Lady gave nothing else a chance in the 1100 metres LBR Fabrication & Jones’s Farming Class B Handicap.A Tender Lady (Tamsin Gough, $4 equal favourite) turned the corner in front and extended the margin all the way down the straight to win by over 4 lengths from Stanawi (Ashley Boyd, $6) and Laser Guided Girl (Leandro Ribeiro, $6).Terry Fulwood who trains the runner up Stanawi at Narromine had better fortune when Casino Silk won the 1400 metres Lunn Racing Class 1 Trophy Handicap.After racing outside the leader, Casino Silk (Ashley Boyd, $15) scored a good win by nearly 2 lengths from Il Tevere (Arthur Pollock, $4.20) and Advertimento (Eloise Drews, $10).Trainers from Scone were well represented with Justin Drake and Nikki Pollock each landing a winner.The Justin Drake trained Unbelievable Helsy (Eloise Drews, $2.80) led most of the way to win the 1100 metres Ray White-Richardson & Sinclair Maiden Plate while Joanneski ($3) was ridden by Arthur Pollock for his mother Nikki Pollock to win the 800 metres Quambone Community & Elwyn Andrews Memorial Class 3 Trophy Handicap after being with the lead from the outset.

Quambone-based Marthaguy Picnic Race Club are breaking into a gallop ahead of the village's annual meeting this Saturday 10 May.A stipendiary steward from Racing NSW visited the Quambone Racecourse at around 1pm today (Wednesday 7 May) and gave the track the all clear.Around 60 millimetres of rain fell on around Quambone on 26 April but the track has worked up well and with fine weather predicted for the remainder of the week it's all systems go for the races this weekend.."The grounds have greened up beautifully," Marthaguy Picnic Race Club Secretary Katrina Walker said."We're all pretty positive about the event, we're pleased with how it all looks and it will be great for our district."Organisers are hoping a warm autumn day will entice locals out and farmers off the tractors for the afternoon.The past races have drawn trainers from across the western plains, including Nyngan, Dubbo and Gilgandra, and this year involve a $45,000 prize pool.Winners of the 2024 Best Dressed Lady Under 30. IMAGE: R McCROSSENAnother $3000 is on the line across seven categories for the Fashion on the Field competition, with the Best Dressed Couple section making its debut.Ms Walker hopes to trump last year's attendance of around 450 spectators, with kick-ons after the races at The Quambone Sundowner Hotel.Gates open at 11am, with a midday trackside luncheon of butter chicken and rice or lasagna and salad before the first race at 1pm.Jess Walker made a wise investment at the 2024 Marthaguy Picnics. IMAGE: R McCROSSENA full canteen menu is available all day and the bookies will be on course."It's a great opportunity to see western hospitality at a genuine western picnic race meeting. There's not many of them left now," Ms Walker said."We haven't had that big, young crowd, but we're still very social and we just want to have fun."A jumping castle and sand pit will be on site and a full bar will be open until 6pm.Find out more here Marthaguy Picnic Races 2025

The Narromine Gorillas rugby union side is firing, claiming another win in Round 3 by downing Dubbo Rhinos at Apex Oval 51-14 on Saturday 3 May.Second rower Ollie Kearny says it was a good win in the New Holland North division of Central West Rugby.Reserve Grade won 19-12."There is a very good culture at the club and teams in both squads have a depth of quality, our players just want to be there," he said."We’re just clicking together as a collective."Ollie says at a time when some small far west clubs are struggling everyone is pushing each other."I am from Coonabraban originally so it hurt to see the Kookas pulling out."But he said the community is behind Narromine Rugby from sponsors to fans."No one is a star and we are all mates can’t wait to take on the Parkes Boars this weekend."Players Best and FairestFIRST GRADE POINTS 3 - Justin Bennet 2 - Hughie Tuck 1 - Dan Lethbridge SECOND GRADE POINTS 3 - Angus Mackenzie 2 - Johny Ashleigh 1 - Jacob Mcnaught Trangie were soundly beaten in their first game 51-0 by Coolah in the Oils Plus North division.

The Nyngan Tigers have easily won the ‘battle of the border teams’ piling on a 7 try demolition of Lithgow Workies at their home ground.on Saturday 3 May.The home track advantage awarding a 42-12 victory.Nyngan began the match well with hooker Aidan Birmingham dashing through to open the scoring.Lithgow did bounce back to score but it was one way traffic after that.Winger Ashley Davies skirted the touch lines to race over and second rower Cameron Bourke bustled his way over as the Tigers took control of the midfield.Five eight Will Black surged over next and lock Jacob O’Neil and prop Billy Quarmby also scored as Nyngan’s forwards dominated.Matty McDougal kicked 7 conversions from 7 attempts, an impeccable display as the Tiger’s showed if they are at their best they are a force in the competition.Nyngan’s League Tag side also produced an easy win 24-14 five tries to 3 Grace Farmilo grabbing two.In Under 18’s, the Tigers who have been battling for player numbers were thrashed 48 nil but the Reserve Graders big winners 62- nil.  

The battle to fight for one of Coonabaran’s most iconic sports clubs is over.The Kookas rugby side who have been popular and main force in recent competitions will not be fielding a team for the 2025 Coonabarabran in the Oils Plus for many years won’t be there.Central West Rugby Union President Jarrod Simpson said ‘’It's heartbreaking for the proud club but they couldn’t get the player numbers.’’‘’There is hope for 2026," Jarrod Simpson said.The Coonabarabran Rugby Club had all hands on deck in a bid to find enough players to field a team this yearBut they have come up short, even after five very successful years where the Kookaburras made semi-finals constantly and won two premierships."Those days unfortunately are behind us as the club looks to rebuild following former player retirements, injuries and others heading off to the Unicorns to play some league under popular coach Nick Willoughby.""Coach Alexander Knight is a well-liked and friendly guy and is doing all he can rally up some more players."He is being well assisted by Lachie Stokie and between them I understand training has been well structured with a mixing of fitness and skills."However there are only 8 to 10 players committed for the year," a spokesperson for the club said.At a recent meeting the club's committee appealed to some uncommitted local players to come along to Thursday trainings at 6.30pm at No3 oval.The discussion also involved approaching former players and Kookaburra Juniors who now may live in Tamworth, Dubbo, Orange, Narrabri etc to fill in on home or away games.The club had support from valued sponsor Imperial Hotel and local farmers for potential jobs and NSW Rugby also offered free registration but finally the numbers weren't there.The Oilsplus Cup Competition is organised by Central West Rugby Union and is tailored specifically for smaller Clubs. The Oilsplus Cup generally involves teams from Yeoval, Wellington, Guerie, Coolah, Coonabarabran, Canowindra and Molong.  

By Tony WebbeckPGA senior players have praised the warm country hospitality of communities in Warren and Cobar after Western Plains golf clubs have hosted two big sports events.Brad Burns consolidated his status as king of the sand greens on the 2025 PGA Legends Tour by sharing the WRL Engineering Warren Legends Pro-Am title with John Onions on Wednesday 30 April.After winning the Australian PGA Senior Sand Greens Championship at Cobar Bowling and Golf Club in a playoff on Monday, Burns shot a round of 5-under-par 65 to match Onions, who picked up his third victory for 2025.With a mixture of 12 grass and six sand scrape greens, the 5800m Warren Golf Club layout, north-west of Dubbo in country NSW, provided a unique challenge to the Legends field.“I want to take all the sand home and start putting on that actually,” Burns joked.“I putt really good on sand and not so good on grass.“I was 6-under after 10 and then had a couple of three putts on the grass.”Just five players broke the par of 70.Warren Golf Course. IMAGE: GolfNSWLooking for his first outright win of the year, Onions was cruising at 5-under through 15 holes before he slipped up with a double-bogey at the par-3 16th hole to hand Burns top spot.A bounce back birdie on 17 saw the Victorian walk off the last hole one shot behind as Burns came to 16. However he also failed to make a par, his second bogey of the back nine leaving the Queenslander with two holes to regain the solo lead.Playing in the final group, Burns parred 17 and 18 to settle for a share of the title, his fourth for 2025.Burns said: “We always have a great time when we come here. It’s always good coming to the country. They’re all so hospitable and it’s always nice to come back.”Onions said: “I’m happy to tie with the king of sand”.T1 John Onions 65T1 Brad Burns 65T3 David Crawford 67T3 Grahame Stinson 675 Tim Elliott 68T6 Mark Boulton 70T6 John Wade 70T6 Nigel Weldon 70The Warren Golf Club has also thanked players and PGA officials for the friendship and professionalism.

A rainy weekend didn’t dampen the spirits of riders who took part in last weekend's Tooraweenah Endurance Ride. The two day event on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April saw 113 competitors head into the hills in a series of endurance rides featuring 7klm, 20km, 40km and 80km events designed to showcase skill and sportsmanship of rider and horse.Arabs, Shetland ponies, stockhorse and Paints competed.Horses were checked by vets before, during and after their events ensuring they met strict paremeters to compete and 'fit to continue'.The 80 kilometre ride on Sunday was made even more challenging after a 40mm fall of rain.Front-runners were able to complete the ride in under 6 hours, but many took longer making it back to Tooraweenah Showground in 8 or 9 hours.One of the organisers Rebecca Blessing described the endurance ride as marathon-running on a horse but stressed the focus on successfully completing the ride was that the horse's fitness not be compromised."The focus is ensuring the welfare of the horse in completing the ride." Rebecca said.The event embodies the philosophy of a sport where everyone is a winner according to the endurance motto, 'To Complete is to Win'.Ally Wykes riding Disco in the 7km event. IMAGE: animalfocus.com.auThe Tooraweenah endurance ride was first held in 1977 as the Annual 50 Mile Endurance Ride.It has been an annual event ever since.Rebecca said the 80km ride was once started by a shotgun shot at 5am signalling that the riders could leave. These days the ride begins in a more subdued way with riders and horses lining up and a starter counting down to officially commence the race at 5am."The community of Tooraweenah just wanted to keep it going," Ms Blessing said."The rides commence at the showground and finish at the showground."Competitors camped in Goosenecks, caravans and put swags out. Little camp fires everywhere."CWA ran a canteen and riders could go to the Tooraweenah pub for a meal."We are very lucky to have landholders that allow us to ride on trails in and around their properties."Overall winner of the 80 kilometre ride was Morisset woman Elysse Walker, with local riders Lara Duff and Isabella Warner both from Tooraweenah placing 3rd in their divisions.Ellyce Walker from Morisset riding Longrun Anouk, 1st MWT in the 80km event in 5hrs 54 mins. IMAGE: Jo Arblaster animalfocus.com.auThis year's event was boosted by a team of national standard riders from other regions."We had some riders who were travelling on to the Tom Quilty Cup in Tasmania that stopped in to ride this weekend which was amazing," Rebecca said."On two occasions our own ride has run in conjunction with the Tom Quilty Cup."We have held it (Tom Quilty) twice in 1991 and again in 2022."The Tom Quilty Cup is the national championship for endurance riding.Dad Will Burnheim and sons Augustus and William Jnr at the Tooraweenah Endurance Ride. IMAGE SUPPLIED.Quambone family William, Felicity, Augustus and Will Burnheim participating in the endurance ride for the first time took part in the 20km ride on Saturday.Maddie Burnheim explained that the goal of the endurance ride was not so much about winning but about completing the endurance without sacrificing your horse."It's quite an interesting event and Australia is very big on putting the safety of the horse before winning."At the end of the day the children had a presentation and were given an award, a beautiful glass cup and they got to keep their vet check card which gave them all the information on how healthy their horse was," Maddie said.Young history-maker Lenny Gwyther is an inspiration to a new generation of endurance riders. IMAGE: Daily TelegraphMaddie explained that her children were inspired to do the endurance ride by the story of 9 year old Lennie Gwyther, who in 1932 rode his horse Ginger Mick from Leongatha (a distance of 924km) to see the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.He was ten years old."They wanted to do a ride like Lenny without the parents."Maddie explained the family are planning an endurance ride from Sandy Camp to Walgett and said that the Tooraweenah endurance ride was a good way to learn what was involved."The reason we started the Tooraweenah endurance ride was to learn how to look after your horse , what signs we need to watch for, my husband will knows that but the children don’t, so it was really good for them to talk to vet and the vet talk to them."BELOW: Felicity Burnheim

Binnaway Jockey Club’s Julie Gray and her volunteers have the racetrack in ‘in tip to order’ for today’s cup meeting. (Saturday 3 May)The first race is timed for 1.15pm and six races are programmed.The $14,000 Binnaway Cup has attracted has a capacity field over the 1300 metre journey.Track is rated good and a large field will bring a big crowd.Gilgandra galloper Order of Merit has been racing well and has claiming apprentice Zoe Hunt riding and the horse has won twice at the distance.Dubbo trainer Dar Lunn has mare Pants On Fire also in the Cup the grey-brown brown mare resumes off a break in the paddock but punters will back her with inform apprentice Tilly McCarroll taking charge. The Lunn family has a top record in Binnaway’s big race.The club has gone to every length with prizes for the Fashions on the Field, best dressed boy and girl to men and women supported by local and Dubbo businesses.All the top trainers from Mudgee, Dubbo to Cobar will bring top race horses to Binnaway and a Maiden Plate begins racing and the club has big line ups in every race on what promises to be their most successful Cup meeting.  

After some sun and drying wins Narromine pulled off their rescheduled race meeting on Tuesday 29 April.Renowned as a very strong jockey, Michael Heagney was at his best when winning the 1300 metres Narromine USMC Diggers Cup on Tuesday aboard the Wayne Brown, Tamworth trained Power Beau.Taken to the early lead, Power Beau, which had eased in the betting from $1.50 to $2.05 favourite, turned for home in front however soon after was strongly challenged by Plenitude.Responding to hard riding by Michael Heagney, Power Beau held on gamely to beat Plenitude (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $4.20 to $3.50) by a half neck with Sports Page (Ken Dunbar,$5) over two lengths away third.Apprentice jockey Shayleigh Ingelse after a short stint in Queensland has returned to Dubbo and she won the opening two races at Narromine on Jasper’s Way and Micro Mikki.Trained at Dubbo by Michael Mulholland for Kel Turner, Jasper’s Way came from near last for a close win over Bouzy’s Babe (Georgina McDonnell, $2.70) and Missy Moss (Kody Nestor, $1.85 favourite) in the 1300 metres Narromine Shire Council Maiden Handicap.In the 1100 metres Australian Lighthorse Maiden Plate the Brett Robb trained Micro Mikki ($1.79 to $1.35 favourite) was with the lead from the outset and scraped home by a short head from Best Defence (Zoe Hunt, $7.59) while a length and quarter back third was Mr Gunna Do (Ken Dunbar, $51) which ran home well.Formerly from Sweden, apprentice Rebecca Bronnett Prag is riding well and she had a winning double, Sweet As A Kiss and Podcast.From off the pace, the Garry Lunn trained Sweet As A Kiss (6.50) finished strongly to account for Lagoon (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $41) and Green Pineapple (Ashleigh Stanley, $3.30) in the 1600 metres Three Rivers Machinery Case IH Class 1 & Maiden Plate.Rebecca Bronnett Pragthen brought the Dar Lunn trainedPodcast ($3 favourite) from near last to win the 1300 metres QUBE Agri Benchmark 50 Handicap from Willinga Karisma (Kody Nestor, $5.50) and Battle Reign (Zoe Hunt, $8.50).Orange based apprentice Jordan Quince swept down the outside on the Kieren Hazelton, Gilgandra trained Divine Sinner ($6 to $5) to defeat Invasive (Pierre Boudvillain, $21) and Rothgate (Tilly McCarroll, $2.60 fav.) in the 1100 metres Courthouse Hotel Benchmark 58 Handicap.Jake Pracey-Holmes found the shortest way home and the Cassandra Stummer, Muswellbrook trained Antilles ($7 to $5) sprinted through a gap on the inside to win the 1100 metres Narromine Hardware Maiden Plate from Helen’s Crown, $19) and Matilda Of Tuscany (Kody Nestor, $7).

The Narromine Gorillas Rugby Union side is having a time of it in the New Holland Cup winning both its matches and sharing the competition lead with the Parkes Boars.The first grade racking up a 69 nil win over CSU Mitchell Bathurst in soggy weather.Justin Bennet, Euan Truscot and Dan Lethbridge rated best on ground for the Gorillas.In Second Grade success for the home side dominating 39-7 scoring 6 tries to 1.Nic Lyn scoring twice with Jacob Mc Naught and Benny Peters also contributing.The Gorillas showed they love community raising money with a jersey Calcutta at the Clubhouse Hotel of just under $18000. Cash raised is helping families at The Ronald McDonald House Charity. Narromine head to Dubbo Saturday and will be favoured to keep their unbeaten record intact against the Rhinos in first grade. The Rhinos are fifth placed after losing to Mudgee 32-30 last week Narromine easily accounted for the Mudgee Wombats in their season opener.Trangie begin season 2025 against Coolah in the Oils Plus North rugby competition in a highly competitive line up of teams.Teams from Wellington, Yeoval, Blayney, Canowindra, Geurie all have strong sides.

Women power produced a flurry of wins at Nyngan’s Anzac Day racing meeting with Wendy Peel winning 4 races including the RSL Cup 1400m.Sent out a $3 favourite Foxwell for Dubbo’s Michael Mullholland dominated the feature race and racing’s ultimate journey woman had no trouble steering the impeccably bred 7 year old gelding to his 3rd race win.Pacific Warrior and Hit Song battled on to fill minor placings.For Peel it was another signature day in the saddle since coming out of her apprenticeship with big wins in major races in Queensland, Northern NSW and the Western Plains.Injuries and suspension have not put any dent in her spirit beginning the day with back-to-back wins aboard Gilgandra trainer Keiren Hazelton's Dao Sun in the Benchmark 5 and Spotted in the 900m Maiden Plate.Georgina McDonell who rides for big stables as well piloted Chesnut -grey mare Star Stroke ($4.60) to her 3rd viictory in the Class 1 (1100m) for Coonamble trainer Stuart Canham.The 5 year old galloper scored by almost 2 lengths. Star Stroke winning 2 of her past 5 including a win at Tottenham.Racing focus switches to Narromine Sunday with the USMC Diggers Cup meeting 7 races beginning at 1.25pm ahead of Binnaway’s big Saturday.

Queensland’s Brad Burns says he almost missed his big chance of National victory playing his way into the $140,000 World Sand Greens Championship at Binalong courtesy of a playoff triumph at the Australian PGA Senior Sand Greens Championship at Cobar Bowling and Golf Club.“I thought I threw it away,” said Burns.“Four holes to go, I bogeyed the par 3. Just a very ordinary chip."In a thrilling sudden death play off to culminate the championship Burns won by a shot.“Birdied 16 and 17 and a nice little par on the last," said Burns.“It took me a while to get used to the sand greens again but just a great day.“Great people up here, too. We’ve had a ball. They do a fantastic job of looking after us.”Forced into a Monday finish after rain prevented any play on Saturday, the PGA Legends Tour players extended their stay in Cobar so that the $50,000 tournament could have its full complement of 36 holes.Trailing Murray Lott by a single shot after Round 1, Burns had to bounce back from a late bogey at the par-3 15th with consecutive birdies to shoot 68 and join Andre Stolz and Nigel Weldon at 7-under par.The trio headed back to the par-4 18th where Burns was able to secure his third win for the season.Final scores1         Brad Burns                  68-67—135Won at first hole of sudden-death playoffT2       Andre Stolz                 69-66—135T2       Nigel Weldon              69-66—135T4       David Fearns               71-65—136T4       Murray Lott                 67-69—136T6       Mark Hale                   72-66—138T6       David McKenzie          71-67—138T6       Adam Henwood         70-68—138T6       Carl Smedley              69-69—138Despite the wet weather interruptions, the Cobar residents enjoyed hosting the players.Narelle from Cobar council said '' The players loved the course and community loved having them here.''Next up: Warren Golf Club Legends Pro-Am on Wednesday

Narromine’s transferred race meeting, postponed from Sunday is now set for tomorrow Tuesday 29 April but the track is rated a heavy 10.Patches of the track were judged too wet previously.Racing NSW stewards will take a look again later today but the USMC Diggers Cup meeting is all systems go for now.The meet's feature race, the USMC Diggers Cup (1300m) has a few close contenders, making it an exciting watch for spectators and punters alike.Tamworth trained Power Beau is favoured after going close at Newcastle, the four-year-old gelding loves the trip.Turgenev for Orange’s Alison Smith has run on the Narromine track before and is 2 wins from 8 of this distance, Sports Page has 3 from 4 of the distance and therefore also has punters watching closely.Race times have changed and the Country Boosted Maiden (1300m) opens racing at 1.10pm, the first of seven events.Missy Moss a 4-year-old mare from Mudgee should start favourite having just been beaten last start.Former Nyngan trainer Brett Robb has Imastatement highly rated for the Fillies and Mares Maiden at 1100m with top jockey Clayton Gallagher aboard.The 3-year-old filly just missed out at Dubbo leading last outing and has the gun barrier.The well bred youngster faces a field of 13 on a soggy track.It's set to be a great day of racing.

Much needed rain is playing havoc with key events in the Western Plains. Narromine’s USMC Diggers race meeting has been postponed to a date to be announced.However Cobar's PGA Championship Golf event is regrouping for Day Two.A spokesperson for Racing NSW said ‘’Stewards have conducted a track inspection following 46mm of rain in the past 24 hours which identified areas of concern and with further rain forecast today the decision has been made to postpone the meeting. ‘’Australian Professional Golfers Association officials said 40mm of rain at Cobar forced the cancellation of the first day of the Senior Sand PGA .Officials praised the course but said a sunny break will give the field ample time to complete the event Monday.100 golfers will take on the testing Cobar layout today with 60 professionals and 40 amateurs, many of these locals.Officials told the Western Plains App a shot gun start Sunday will allow players to tee off at the same time to make up for Saturday’s delay.

It’s the stuff endurance horse riders dream of ..breath taking views, cool conditions and territory to test riders and horse.Day one of the Tooraweenah Endurance Ride is done and today, Sunday 27 April, will put the 60 participants under even greater pressure to show their real stamina.Tooraweenah’s Rebbecca Blessing says a variety of distances make for the a tricky assignment.‘’Seven, 20 and 40 kilometres on Day One and the 80 kilometre Day Two and community is loving it. "It begins from the Showground and we have fantastic numbers for the Tooraweenah Endurance ride.’’Entries come from small children led by their loving parents to veterans with decades of experience.Ally Wykes on Disco. IMAGE SUPPLIED.‘’It's known as the ‘ride with view ‘ which is through the Warrumbungles below the magnificent mountain and it's testing but comfortable for riders and horses.’’Riders are coming from far and wide to compete."We have thank landholders in the district who are 100% behind the ride and also the local CWA who back us,’’ Rebecca said. High standard Arabian style horses are the powering the gruelling journeys.Mae Robinson on Buster. PHOTO SUPPLIED.