Dubbo based, Nyngan bred racehorse trainer Brett Robb had full confidence in his 2-year-old Comogin heading into the iconic Wellington Boot the richest NSW country gallop for youngsters on Monday 31 March.The punters didn’t think that way Sydney’s invaders including Bjorn Baker had 2 smart babies chasing the $200,000 first prize Invincible Phantom sent out (2.15 favourite) in the 1100m dash.But at barrier rise Comogin ($9.50) had the gate speed to storm to the front and wasn’t for catching winning by more than 2 lengths, going from barrier to post. Bjorn Baker’s second stable chance Alabama Charm finished second with Scone’s Bullant third.Brett Robb with Owners of Comogin winner of the 2025 Wellington Boot - Image courtesy RacingPhotography.com.au.The son of legendary Nyngan horse man Rodney Robb had trained his horse to be ready.‘’We freshened him up and he was feeling ready, and Clayton rode a great race on him.’’Jockey Clayton Gallagher said the well-bred two-year-old was full of running. ‘’He felt good out of the stalls and on the turn he just fired.’’Clayton Gallagher bringing Comogin home in the 2025 Wellington Boot - Image courtesy RacingPhotography.com.auIt’s a big week for Brett Robb his 5-year-old gelding Gallant Star is favourite for the $1m Country Championship Final 1400m at Randwick after beating his rivals in the Coonamble qualifier and his fast front running style has captured the eyes of Western Plains sports fans and racing experts.‘’It is going to be a big week can’t wait for it.’’ Robb said.Nyngan and communities across the bush will be cheering for the Robb family for another big racing success.  

With a touch of arrogance, Gallant Star disposed of the opposition in the $150,000 Evergreen Turf-Western Racing Association Country Championship Qualifier on Sunday at Coonamble and is now an outstanding winning prospect for the $1 million Final on Saturday 5th April at Royal Randwick.The big crowd at Coonamble had been privileged to witness one of the best wins on a central west track for many years.Trained at Dubbo by Brett Robb for David Ringland and former test cricketer Kerry O’Keeffe, Gallant Star at the first start for four months since winning the Barn Dance at Randwick, was surprisingly taken to the early lead by high profile Sydney jockey Jason Collett.In front turning for home, Gallant Star ($1.33 to $1.18 favourite) powered away to win by over four lengths from Rouge Moulin (Clayton Gallagher, $7.50) and Poisen Point (Zac Lloyd, $15) to give Brett Robb the trifecta.Fourth was the Clint Lundholm trained Plenitude while finishing fifth in the 13 horse field was the other Brett Robb trained starter Deion.Rouge Moulin which chased hard from back in the pack has qualified for the Final while the three year old filly Poisen Point ran home strongly and looks to have a good future over longer distances than the 1400 metres of the Qualifier.Over 600 people came out to the weekend races. IMAGE: Lily PlassIn supporting races, Kody Nestor was the star jockey with a winning treble, Tainui, Yiye and The Great Armada.After a nice run behind the leader, the Geoff O’Brien, Quirindi trained Tainui ($1.90 to $1.70 favourite) breezed home as a three lengths winner of the opening event, the 1400 metres Gilgandra Toyota /Inland Petroleum Showcase Maien Plate.First up for Dubbo trainer Clint Lundholm after racing from Queensland stables, Tiye was quite impressive when winning the 1100 metres Super Maiden Plate.Challenged in the straight, Tiye ($3.20 favourite) accelerated under Kody Nestor to draw away from Supreme Style (Clayton Gallagher, $3.70) and Stern Reminder (Zac Lloyd, $3.60).Third leg of the Kody Nestor treble was the Jane Clement, Armidale trained The Great Armada ($15) which pounced on the leaders in the straight and won by over two lengths from The Artefact (Chad Lever, $4.40) and Crown Legend (Aaron Bullock, $2.20 fav.) in the 1400 metres Benchmark 58 Handicap.Following successive wins in the Picnic Cups at Bedgerabong, Condobolin and Tottenham, the Connie Greig trained Laisvas tackled TAB company in the 1600 metres Benchmark 66 Handicap.Jockey Jason Collett is off to Randwick after his Coonamble win. IMAGE: Lily PlassCarrying 55kg at Coonamble as compared to 72.5kg at Tottenham, Laisvas (Mikayla Weir, $14) with an inside run from midfield prevailed by a half neck over stablemate Mrs Bull (Andrew Banks, $14) with Rolled Gold (Siena Grima, $26) in third place.Wayne Lunn, the owner, praised Emma Ly when the apprentice took a rails run from back in the field on the Michael Lunn, Dubbo trained Rich Street ($8.50) to win the 1600 metres WRA Roundup Class 1 & Maiden Plate from Miss Clamorosa (Michael Heagney, $1.75 fav.) and Trumpty Dumpty (Aaron Bullock, $7.50).The other winners were the Jane Clement-trained Prince Of Sepang (Gabrielle Johnston, $3.70) and Enterprise Legend (Siena Grima, $4.20 to $3.70 fav.) trained at Tamworth by Holly Williams.Via The Coonamble Times

Concerns about being able to handle a further hefty handicap increase were dispelled when the five year old chestnut mare Laisvas completed a feature race winning treble on Saturday at Tottenham.The Connie Greig, Dubbo trained Laisvas carried 66kg in the Bedgerabong Picnic Cup, 69kg in the Condobolin Picnic Cup and humped 72.5kg to victory in the 1400 metres Robinson Grain Tottenham Picnic Cup.Again ridden by leading jockey Leandro Ribeiro, Laisvas ($2 equal favourite) was near last early before sweeping around the field approaching the home turn to eventually wear down Bush Warrior (Adrian Pollock, $4) to score by half length with I’m Scarlett (Todd Bailey, $2 equal favourite) in third place.Winless after more than 30 starts before coming to the Sharon Jeffries stable, Zillions has now won three races in succession, at Gilgandra, Bedgerabong and Tottenham, for the Parkes trainer.Going to the early lead at Tottenham, Zillions (Ashley Boyd, $2.40) lasted to win the 800 metres Michael Logan Memorial Class 3 Trophy Handicap by a short head from Full Revolution (Leandro Ribeiro,$2.30 fav.) while a half length away third was Rubicon River (Emily Waters, $8).Newly licensed trainer Stuart Canham from Coonamble had his career first winner with Fast ‘N’ Ezy at Gilgandra in January and he was in the winners circle again with Star Stroke at Tottenham.Racing well clear in the straight, the grey mare Star Stroke (Zara Lewis, $5) won by over three lengths from Scruff’s Magic (Eloise Drews, $2.60 fav.) and Candid (Arthur Pollock, $3.50).Playing a prominent role on the picnic circuit this season, Scone trainer Nikki Pollock and her son, jockey Arthur Pollock, combined to win the 1000 metres Tottenham Hotel Maiden Plate with Shades Of Truth.The $2 favourite Party Prophet led the field before Shades Of Truth ($4.40) took over to win by a half length from the strong finishing Yourawizard (Ashley Boyd, $16) with Party Prophet (Leandro Ribeiro) a length back third. Tamsin Gough who rode 7 winners before taking a break in 2023 to have her baby daughter, was back in action at Tottenham and won the 1000 metres Combined Dubbo Businesses Open Trophy Handicap with Mr Pointer for Cobar trainer Wayne Prisk.Away quickly, Mr Pointer ($8) led throughout for a convincing win from Joanneski (Arthur Pollock, $2.30 ) and the 12 year old marvel, Billy Bent Ear (Todd Bailey,$5).In an exciting finish to the final event, the 1400 metres Combined Local Sponsors Class B Handicap, Ready For Lift Off (Eloise Drews, $2.30 favourite) trained at Narromine by Kylie Kennedy for Robert Gainsford, held off Glenfield Fox (Zara Lewis, $4.40) by a short half head with over two lengths to the third placed Spanner (Ashley Boyd, $2.50).The official crowd of 628 was a great result for the hardworking and progressive Tottenham club.                    ———————————Racing at Broken Hill on Saturday while on Sunday the feature is the $150,000 Evergreen Turf-WRA Country Championship Qualifier .

Ridden by Leandro Ribeiro and trained at Dubbo by Connie Greig, the five-year-old chestnut mare Laisvas completed a feature race double before a big crowd at Condobolin over the weekend.The previous week Laisvas had won the Bedgerabong Picnic Cup and it was another runaway win on Saturday in the 1400 metres Inland Petroleum Condobolin Picnic Cup.Yarraville led the Cup field from Dancing In The Sky with Laisvas attacking on the outside as the field rounded the home turn.Laisvas (Leandro Ribeiro, 1.80 to $1.60 favourite) then surged away to win by over five lengths from Dancing In The Sky (Kate Petersen, $12) and Valadyium (Todd Bailey, $8).The now Goulburn based Kate Petersen who rode Dancing In The Sky for Cobar trainer Wayne Prisk, is formerly from Washington State USA while the fourth placegetter Cape Zoro (Paul Zerafa, $5) is trained at Brighton in Tasmania by Dr John Heath.Currently relocating to Euroa in Victoria, Dr John Heath apart from being a highly qualified medical practitioner is also a professor and veterinary surgeon.Earlier in February this year, Cape Zoro had raced at TAB meetings at Launceston and Hobart in Tasmanian and last week finished third at Holbrook in New South Wales.Regal Lady, a stablemate of Cape Zoro, finished third for Dr Heath in the 1000 metres Maiden Plate at Condobolin when ridden by Emily Waters.Connie Greig has now won the last three Condobolin Picnic Cups, with Valadyium (Brent Evans), Linden Tree (Leandro Ribeiro) and Laisvas (Leandro Ribeiro) while she led in 4 winners on Saturday, Rebel Love (Todd Bailey, $5), Pahang (Leandro Ribeiro, $1.90 fav.), Laisvas (Leandro Ribeiro, $1.60 fav.) and Allande (Leandro Ribeiro, $1.80 fav.).Todd Bailey who has moved from Tamworth to Taree to ride trackwork for trainer Wayne Wilkes, made the long trip from the mid north coast to the central west for a winning double at Condobolin on Via Amorosa and Rebel Love.Trained at Scone by Nikki Pollock, Via Amorosa (Todd Bailey, $8) entered the straight with a slender lead and lasted to beat stablemate Shades Of Truth (Arthur Pollock, $4) by a long head with Regal Lady (Emily Waters, $6) finishing third in the 1000 metres Vella Stock Feeds Maiden Plate.Her son Arthur Pollock was aboard Joanneski, the second leg of a double for Nikki Pollock, in the 1000 metres KMWL- Ross Berry & Rob Staniforth Memorial Trophy Handicap.Joanneski ($1.90 favourite) led throughout to win by over 3 lengths from Blackhill Kitty (Todd Bailey, $5) and Billy Bent Ear (Leandro Ribeiro, $3).                      ——————————-.Racing at Orange on Friday ( $150,000 CDRA Country Championship Qualifier), Yass Picnics on Saturday, Warren on Saturday ($500 jockeys challenge) and Bathurst on Monday (wear your footy jersey day)

After nearly 40 years in the cold, the Mendooran Tigers rugby league team will hit the field once more. The club will play in a combined side with Dundedoo in the Castlereagh League's reserve grade and use Dundedoo's sports ground. Mendooran last played in 1986, finishing fifth in the now dissolved Group 14 tournament. "It's an interesting scenario," Castlereagh Rugby League secretary Bryson Luff said. "It will be interesting to see how it works out, particularly with the combining of clubs. That might be a thing that other clubs need to consider in the future. "Hopefully it's going to strengthen rugby league in the Mendooran and Dunedoo areas." So far, over 25 players have expressed in interest in registering for the side.Castlereagh League secretary Bryson Luff. IMAGE: suppliedThe Dunedoo Swans won't have a reserve grade this year, so Mendooran will take them in to play under the Tigers flag. The Swans will also take Mendooran players for its first grade and women's league tag sides. Mendooran's sport ground won't be ready to host rugby league in 2025, so the club will for now make Dunedoo their home. Tigers secretary Lucy Pickering said the idea to reform began with a conversation at the pub. "Before too long we were like 'actually, this realistically could be an option for the town,'" she said. "So we had a few meetings. We started getting expression of interest from players and volunteers. "We got to a point where we could really justify the potential longevity of the Tigers in the Castlereagh group."Months of planning paid off in when tournament officials in Gilgandra on Sunday 9 February accepted the club's application to join. The revival has gained considerable media interest. Ms Pickering had done at least six interviews in two days when she spoke on 12 February. "We're glad that, you know, people are interested in the beautiful story that it is," Ms Pickering said. "Dunedoo are just an exceptional club to be part of. "They just know what it's like to maintain footy in a small town. "It's a very important thing and gives everyone somewhere to go, it supports mental health of players and spectators." Mr Luff said the club was a "powerhouse" in the Group 14 days, winning three winning three first grade premierships in 1983 and 1985. The 2025 season begins in April, with Dunedoo-Mendooran first playing Coonamble.

Preparing a strong team for his hometown Cup meeting next Sunday, local trainer Kieren Hazelton won the final event at Gilgandra on Saturday with Order Of Merit.Owned by Bowman Racing, the seven year old gelding Order Of Merit was ridden an outstanding race by apprentice Zoe Hunt in the 1200 metres Projence Benchmark 50 Handicap.After travelling midfield, Order Of Merit ($7) found clear running at the top of the short straight and overhauled South Bullaway (Clayton Gallagher, $7.50) to win by a short neck with another Hazelton trained galloper War Toy (Jordan Quince, $21) running on well for third.Zoe Hunt is apprenticed to Dubbo trainer Clint Lundholm who won the 1200 metres Railway Hotel Maiden Handicap with Miss Piera ridden by Kody Nestor.In front from the outset, Miss Piera ($4.80) lasted to score by a half head from Juliet Bravo (Andrew Banks, $17) with two lengths to the third placed Clan D’Oro (Clayton Gallagher, $3.10).Orange based apprentice Jordan Quince rode the second win of her career when taking out the 1100 metres Kitchen Painting Services & More Benchmark 50 Handicap on the Barry Wall, Cowra trained Yael’s Delight.Making it three wins from five starts at the Gilgandra track and six wins overall, Yael’s Delight ($4.20 to $3.60 favourite) jumped quickly and led all the way to win by a short neck from Gold Smiles (Michael Heagney, $13) and Belle Sonnet (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $21).Reaching the lead close to home, Bandolero looked the likely winner however coming from near last Enthralled out wide gained the judges verdict in a deceptive photo finish to the 1600 metres Wayne Mallison Painter & Decorator Benchmark 50 Handicap.Trained at Muswellbrook by Carlos Antonio, Enthralled (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $16) won by a half head from Bandolero (Kody Nestor, $8) with a short half head to Hoorini (Shayleigh Ingelse, $9.50).An exciting conclusion also to the 1000 metres Western Farm Machinery Maiden Plate when the Jeremy Sylvester, Cessnock trained Devoted Deputy (Clayton Gallagher, $1.70 favourite) charged through a late opening on the rails to beat Hefty Price (Shannen Llewellyn, $3.70) and Press Gaze (Shayleigh Ingelse, $17) in a three way photo finish.Not so close was the finish to the 1800 metres Royal Hotel Class 1 & Maiden Plate with the Melissa Dennett, Tamworth trained A Tent Hut (Shannen Llewellyn, $1.75 favourite) leading most of the way to win by over two lengths from Sulmaher (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $9.50) and Amantaka (Cobi Vitler, $3).Prior to the $50,000 Gilgandra Cup on Sunday a Calcutta will be held on Saturday night at the Gilgandra Services Club the sponsor of the Cup.

Former central west racecaller Pat Bourke. who passed away recently at Wellington, would have enjoyed the Warren meeting on Friday, where three generations of the Stanley family won races in front of a big crowd.Pat’s wife Kathy Bourke is the sister of Wellington trainer Peter Stanley who won with $26 outsider Fancy Garter ridden by his daughter Ashleigh Stanley.First leg of a winning double for Ashleigh Stanley was the Maree Hopkins trained Flying Dubawi ($7) while Peter Stanley’s grandson Dylan Stanley also won on Cumboogle ($2.30 favourite) for Gulgong trainer Brett Thompson.Renowned as an accurate caller with a great sense of humour, Pat Bourke before his retirement called gallops meetings at tracks including Geurie, Gulgong, Wellington and several others while he also called harness races and was the ground announcer for the Wellington Cowboys rugby league home games.A very well liked and great character, Pat often worked as a shearer while he was the trainer of several winners including Saint Joseph at Binnaway when ridden by Pat’s brother in law Peter Stanley.Pat, who died aged 82 was behind the microphone at meetings during the same era as other race callers in the central and western areas including Bobby Gunn, Reg Ferguson, John Kerwick, Bob Foran, Shiner Ryan, Harry Hart, Don Ryan, Bill Palmer, Terry Bootle, Tim Moses and Colin Hodges.The funeral for Pat will be held at St Patrick’s Catholic Church Wellington on Friday at 11am.Apart from the three winners for the Stanley family at the very well promoted Warren twilight meeting, Dubbo trainer Clint Lundholm had a winning double with Notabadchassis (Clayton Gallagher, $4.20) and Sizzling Tale (Zoe Hunt, $6).The other winners were the Dean Mirfin, Bathurst trained Giovanni Star (Jessica Brookes, $2.40 favourite) and Luckyimwithaimee (Shayleigh Ingelse, $11) trained at Narromine by Wayne Collison.Upcoming race meetings in the central west and western region are scheduled for Dubbo (Saturday December 21st), Bathurst (Monday December, 23rd), Wellington ( Boxing Day), Gilgandra (Saturday, December 28th), Orange (Monday, December 30th) and Gilgandra Cup (Sunday, 5th January 2025).

Around 190 swimmers duked it out on the first day of December at the Warren Swimming Carnival, the highest turnout since the pandemic. Junior swimmers aged five to 17 came from areas including Nyngan, Coonamble, Cobar and Gilgandra to compete in the Warren Memorial Swimming Pool. Recent rains ahead of the Sunday made for boggy water, although Warren Amateur Swimming Club president Jaimie Haywood said that didn't stop children enjoying the pool. "The numbers were brilliant," she said. "I think we got about 180 before COVID hit. And after that, 120 has been our average for about the last probably five years. "Gilgandra normally hosts a carnival the day before us, so a lot of the Coonamble and Gilgandra kids go there on the Saturday rather than come to us on the Sunday, but they have it on a different weekend this year. I reckon that's a lot of the reason we got more this year, along with the fact that we've got refurbished, new amenities. "It was just a good day."Members of the Coonamble Swimming Club pose for a photo. IMAGE: Facebook/ Coonamble Swimming Club The swimmers competed across freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly and backstroke events. They took advantage of the new kiosk, canteen and changerooms which finished construction in September 2024. Numbers have also been up for at least one of the clubs this year. The Coonamble Swimming Club had at least 27 swimmers at the carnival. “The club’s doing really well. We’ve got lots of swimmers,” Coonamble club president Mr Williams said. “From what we were getting a couple of years ago - the numbers were dwindling - we’re now getting 40 or 50 kids back in the pool.”

The Warren Bull Dog's men's and women's League Tag team are making a comeback in the Castlereagh Rugby League competition next year after eight years off the field.  At the Castlereagh League AGM in Gilgandra on 24 November, members voted unanimously to welcome the Bulldogs back to the competition bumping the number of teams up to 11.  The plans were set in motion on 19 June when 56 community members turned up at the local golf club to speak in favour of bringing the senior tag team back.  “They all said they’d help us out, engage everyone to help with the ground preparation, the canteen, do all the support jobs you need. Our army of volunteers basically," President of the Warren Bulldogs Brett Brouff said.  "Since we've had our junior for quite a lot of years, they have stayed in town and have now got jobs in the area," Mr Brouff said. "We got a committee going and everything went from there." Twenty-three players have signed up for the men's first grade and 18 for the women's first grade.  "There's real excitement in town. It's got our little town buzzing that's for sure," Mr Brouff said.  The senior League Tag team disappeared eight years ago due to a lack of personnel. "We couldn't get the players, people left town and the senior club just fell apart," Mr Brouff said.  "It just completes our club once again and we're all really looking forward next year to when the Castlereagh League kicks off on 26 April."  The pre-season knockouts will be held in Warren at the Victoria Oval on 12 April to get the club back up and running.Vice President Adam Pascoe with children Lexi, Marley, and Jimmy, 2025 Bulldogs players Harry Hammond and Braith Boyd, and Warren Sporting & Cultural Complex Manager Wes Hamilton with children Lainey and Tanner. Photo: Amanda Brien

In the space of six weeks, the Jane Clement, Armidale trained seven year old gelding Macleay has won two country Cups as a rank outsider.Starting at $61 Macleay won the Moree Cup and after unplaced runs at Newcastle and Dubbo returned a $51 TAB dividend when winning the $75,000 Imperial Hotel Coonabarabran Cup.Racing in front of a very big crowd at Coonabarabran on Sunday in the 1600 metres Cup, Zounile led the 12 horse field from Smart Shot, Macleay and Burdekin while the $2.15 favourite Dances With Hooves was near last in the early stages.Turning for home, Dances With Hooves looked a chance when pulled out wide however it was Macleay, given a charmed run on the rails by apprentice Shannen Llewelyn, charging to the line to win by over a length from Rhythm Is A Dancer (Clayton Gallagher, $2.90), Smart Shot (Jake Pracey-Holmes,$9) and Zounile.While the ride by Shannen Llewellyn was outstanding, equally as impressive was the exhibition by another apprentice Chelsea Hillier when winning the 1100 metres Expo Cup Day Sprint on the Rod Northam, Scone trained Jacenza.Near last and behind a wall of horses at the top of the straight, the $3.40 favourite Jacenza was pushed through a very narrow opening on the rails over the concluding stages by Chelsea Hillier to defeat Life’s A Party (Ashley Morgan, $4.60) and Scarzel (Cobi Vitler, $14).After arriving in Australia from Wales the first meeting Ashley Morgan rode at was Coonabarabran.Now a leading jockey, Morgan was back in town to win the 1600 metres Barrons Tyres & Reggies Hotel Baradine Class 3 Handicap on Wanda River for Tamworth trainer Sue Grills.Coming from midfield, Wanda River ($2.45 favourite) finished best to beat Ellenmac (Clayton Gallagher, $5) and Tallawah (Georgina McDonnell, $4.60).When he retired earlier this year, Gilgandra trainer Leo Harland handed over his small team including his 6 times winner Patrick May to his granddaughter Gaya-Lee Burgers.The now 8 year old gelding Patrick May starting at $17 and with Dylan Stanley in the saddle, gave Gaye-Lee Burgers her first winner as a trainer when leading throughout to beat Tupou (Zoe Hunt, $7) and Vis I Do (Ashley Morgan, $4.60) in the 1400 metres Brad Edwards Air Conditioning Showcase 66 Handicap.The Keady and Lyons families were loyal clients of the legendary Coonamble trainer the late John Lundholm and they now have their horses, including Plenitude, trained at Dubbo by John’s grandson Clint Lundholm.A last start winner at Coonamble, Plenitude (Clayton Gallagher, $3.20) wore down Exonumia (Aaron Bullock, $2.80 favourite) and Prince Of Sepang (Shannen Llewellyn, $12) to win the 1200 metres Marc Hawkins/Evans Equestrian -Max Hawkins Memorial Class 2 Plate at Coonamble.At the highly successful Coonabarabran meeting, Tamworth trainer Cody Morgan had a winning double with Got The Smarts (Billy Cray, $10) and Poseidon’s Son (Shannen Llewellyn, $2.50 fav.) while Dubbo trainer Brett Robb won with Seven Mile Missile ($3.60) ridden by Georgina McDonnell. Dubbo to race on Saturday and Tuesday.

by Colin Hodges.Kylie Kennedy is the owner and trainer of the horse, her sister is the race club secretary, her mother tends the beautiful rose gardens, her father is a fellow trainer and her partner is the trackwork rider and racecourse curator so it was a popular result for the locals when Ready Made Doll won the feature race in front of a big crowd on Saturday at Narromine.Halfway down the straight there were several winning chances in the 1600 metres QUBE Agri Dandy Cup however with Georgina McDonnell in the saddle, Ready Made Doll ($21) came from last in the big field with a powerful run down the outside to score by over a length from Cheeky Nugget (Olivia Dalton, $12) and Pacific Warrior (Leeshelle Small, $7).Georgina McDonnell is riding in great form since moving back to Dubbo with another recent feature win being on Castlebar Road in the Crystal Sprint at Coonamble.Apprentice jockey Lauren Van Tijn who had ridden two winners prior to Saturday, doubled her career tally with a double, Brave Max and Loud, at Narromine.In the opening event, the leader Platinum Warrior (Kody Nestor, $2.10 favourite) was overhauled and beaten a head by the Jeremy Sylvester, Cessnock trained Brave Max (Lauren Van Tijn, $6.50) with Dervinia (Clayton Gallagher, $3) in third place.Clayton Gallagher later succumbed to an injury and Lauren Van Tijn became the replacement rider on the Peter Reynolds, Dubbo trained Loud in the 1100 metres Macquarie Valley Fuels Benchmark 58 Handicap.Darting through an opening near the inside, Loud ($4.40) won by a short neck from Gypsy Power (Zoe Hunt, $2.90 favourite) while Slush Fund (Kody Nestor, $4.20) ran on well for third.Before missing later rides due to injury, Clayton Gallagher won the 800 metres Three Rivers Machinery Case IH Benchmark 58 Handicap on the Brett Thompson, Gulgong trained Cumboogle.After taking the lead from Zequel, Cumboogle ($3.50) held off Can Do It (Cobi Vitler, $11) by a half length with Zequel (Kody Nestor, $3.70) a long neck away third.First leg of a double for trainer Brett Thompson was Sorrento Palace ($2.40 fav.) which wore down Specula (Kody Nestor, $2.80) to win by a half head with Brandywine (Georgina McDonnell, $15) third in the 1100 metres Narromine Hardware Maiden Plate.While Dubbo trainer Brett Robb was at Randwick on Saturday with Gallant Star, a strong finishing sixth in the $2,000,000 Kosciusko, he was represented at Narromine by Rothgate, the winner of the 1200 metres Narromine Shire-Shop Local Class 1 Handicap.Near last early, Rothgate (Kody Nestor, $3.40) swept around the field before the home turn and won by a long neck from Hammering Away (Clayton Gallagher, $3.20 fav.) and Moon Zone (Georgina McDonnell, $5).                       ———————————-Mudgee to race on Saturday and the Coonabarabran Cup (TAB) on Sunday with a Calcutta on Saturday night.

By Colin HodgesSuited by the fast early pace, the Rod Northam, Scone trained Sharp Shock charged home to win the $75,000 Geronimo-New Holland Coonamble Gold Cup on Sunday.From the outset, Vincenzo and Roma Avenue vied for the lead in the 1600 metres, Big Dance eligibility Cup, while Sharp Shock patiently ridden by leading apprentice Chelsea Hillier, settled towards the rear along with the Randwick trained favourite, Ravello.In an exciting finish, Sharp Shock $9) swooped on the outside to win by a long head from Ravello (Ashley Morgan, $3.40 to $2.90 favourite) with Vincenzo (Ella Drew, $5.50) a brave third after hitting the front at the top of the straight.The very big crowd was treated to a unique sight in the mounting yard prior to the running of the $50,000 Showcase Picnic Championship Final with 8 of the 12 riders wearing the purple and yellow striped colours of Dubbo trainer Connie Greig.Rewarded for her successes at picnic meetings throughout the NSW picnic circuit, Greig had qualified the bulk of the field for the 1400 metres Final.Connie Greig had won the 2022 Final with Hemsted (Leandro Ribeiro) and the 2023 Final with Inzaghi (Leandro Ribeiro) and she looked likely to have the first three placegetters in 2024 until the final strides of a dramatic finish.The crowd watches as the jockeys fast approach the finish line. PHOTO: The Coonamble Times/ Lily PlassSuperbly ridden by Sebastian Galea, the Daniel Stanley, Wellington trained Bush Warrior ($14)coming from further back than midfield, gained a late split to win by a half length from Blackhill Kitty (Sally Faulks, $31) with a half neck to the third placed Have Mercy (Todd Bailey, $6.50) while a close fourth was Belle O’Ballee (Leandro Ribeiro, $3.20 favourite).Daniel Stanley was thrilled to win the Final for Jan Grimshaw a long time client of his stable.Following the race, Deidre Adam (Tottenham) and Craig Tyack (Tullibigeal), the long serving secretary and president, respectively, of the NSW Picnic Association were awarded Life Memberships.Bred and raced by Harry Barclay from Warren and trained at Dubbo by Brett Robb, the 8 year old gelding Castlebar Road ($13) took the early lead and challenged all the way down the straight held on to win the 1200 metres Keady Family Crystal Sprint in a close finish from Jacenza (Chelsea Hillier, $4) and Life’s A Party (Ashley Morgan, $4.80).The other feature race, the 1400 metres Futurity Pastoral-Baradine Cup, was won by the Sue Grills, Tamworth trained Night Fighter ridden by Jenny Duggan.Finishing quickly down the outside, Night Fighter ($7) scored by over a length from Earl Of Bantry (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $3.10 to $2.70 favourite) and Shen Gui (Ashley Morgan, $15).Responding to powerful riding by Clayton Gallagher, the Bjorn Baker, Warwick Farm trained Ahellbenda ($3.00) was a half length winner of the 1300 metres Swanny’s Foods & XXXXShowcase Maiden Handicap from the leader Truth I Fear (Luke Rolls, $10) and Rennata (Aaron Bullock, $2.35 fav.)Second leg of a double for Clayton Gallagher was the Cody Morgan, Tamworth trained Smart Shot ($3.40) which swept past the leaders to win the 1600 metres Nalder Family Showcase Class 3 Handicap by more than three lengths from Wanda River, Ashley Morgan, $10) and Sonic Tycoon (Billy Cray, $8).Tamworth trainer Mel O’Gorman produced a smart debut maker Almost Maybe for the 1100 metres Woodhams Petroleum and Paragon Pastoral 1100 metres Showcase Maiden Plate.Clearing out in the straight, Almost Maybe (Siena Grima, $5.50) won by almost four lengths from Coella ($3.90 fav.) and Inquisitrix (Andrew Banks, $151).Formerly from Coonamble, Dubbo trainer Clint Lundholm was proud to win the 1100 metres QUBE Agri Class 2 Showcase Handicap for the owners of Plenitude.The Keady and Lyons families were also loyal clients of Clint’s grandfather, the legendary Coonamble trainer John Lundholm.Well ridden by north coast jockey Luke Rolls, Plenitude ($5) came from well back to win in a three way photo finish from Not Written Off (Ashley Morgan, $3.50) and Singing Star (Jenny Duggan, $14).

The town of Nyngan is awash with Bogan Bulls fever as the Club is set to hit the paddock this Saturday in Walgett, with not one but two teams battling it out for the honour of holding the champions cup in the Western Plains Rugby Union Grand Final. Nyngan Club President Liam Gleeson said the Club is excited for the big day and the town is really getting behind the men’s first grade side and the women’s tri tag team as they head into the final game of the season. “It will be a massive day for the Nyngan Rugby Club,” said Mr Gleeson. “The men’s first grade side has been there or thereabouts all year with Walgett and Warren. Warren have been the better team all year but Walgett the more talented and that showed in the major semi-final when Walgett won. “We finished 3rd and after beating Bourke/Brewarrina Barbarians we travelled to Warren the following week and after a back-and-forth game kicked a winning penalty goal on the stroke of full time to come out victorious 23-20. “We head to Walgett full of confidence that on our day we can match it with them. It will be a very physical contest and there’s been no love lost in recent games with them. “They are very well drilled and play a very smart game plan, but we will look to counter that and hopefully come away with the chocolates."Nyngan's first grade side. Photo supplied. Nyngan also has its women’s tri tag team in the Grand Final. "It’s the first year that we’ve had a tri tag team in the competition, and they’ve gone through undefeated," said Mr Gleeson. “They are a group of local girls who are coached by two superstars in Danielle Plummer (local girl) and Sarah Pearce. They are a incredible defensive team, that on 6 occasions held the opposition scoreless. “They have had a raft of injuries throughout the year but have really pulled together and they will be heading into the grand final as favourites against a Gular team they beat 22-0 in the major semi-final.” Women’s coach Sarah Pearce could not be more proud of the girls for their efforts. “The women’s team have been working hard all season, and their efforts show through the results," she said. “As coaches we come from a XV’s background, so it was a tricky transition, but we’ve applied that knowledge, and it’s created a very structured playing style,” said Ms Pearce. “The team is well rounded, with some speed, lots of ball players, and experienced minds.“It’s been a pleasure working with the Bogan Bulls, and we are ready to bring the cup home on Saturday. Nyngan local Courtney Watt, fresh off playing in the winning Women’s Australian Oztag side, is a dedicated Bulls team member and can’t wait to tackle the game head on this Saturday. “I’m super excited to be playing in the grand final of the inaugural year for the Bogan Bulls tri tag team,” said Mrs. Watt. “I can’t wait to go out there and play our game and put together everything we have been working all year for. “The girls have all been super welcoming and the support we have had from the club and supporters over the season has been unreal,” she said.  Bogan Shire Mayor Glen Neill is thrilled for the Bulls and said the town is behind the club for their big day. “We wish the Bogan Bulls the very best for grand final day and look forward to a winning result. Sporting events such as these, really bring the community together and that is a great thing.” The day kicks off at Walgett at 10am with tiny Tahs and junior games, 11am-Under 12's Western Plains Academy Exhibition, Women's Tri Tag Grand Final commences at 12 midday, 1.30pm will see the Second grade grand final and first grade will hit the paddock at 3.15pm

by Bryson LuffThe Cobar Roosters became the first team to defeat the Coolah Kangaroos in season 2024 when they won a high standard major semi final at Dunedoo’s Robertson Oval on Saturday in front of a bumper crowd in the Castlereagh Rugby League.In what was an eleventh-hour decision the Kangaroos were dealt a blow before the game even kicked off when the Coolah ground was deemed unsuitable for play and any home ground advantage that they would have had was forfeited with the semis having to be transferred to Dunedoo.The change of venue seemed not to bother the Coolah side, and they raced out to a 12 to nil leaders with Chanse Burgess going over twice for two converted tries mid-way through the first half and they seemed to be doing it easyHowever it was to be the Roosters who went to the half time break as 16 to 12 leaders after their winger Jack Brown was able to ground a well placed grubber from his hooker Thomas Plater in the 23rd minute, followed not long after by centre Fraser Talu leaping high to latch onto a pin point cross field kick to edge the Chooks to within two points of the ‘Roos with the scoreboard reading 12 to 10 at that point.Talu was in again on the cusp of half time after a nice pass from front rower Gerald Mackay put him in a gap and with the conversion successful the ‘Roos went to the sheds facing a four-point deficit.With the game flowing from end to end, both sides were called upon to defend their line stoutly on a number of occasions and it wasn’t until the 24th minute into the second stanza that the scoreboard attendant was called to duty when Coolah’s hard running centre, Josh Charles, was able to crash over for a converted try and the ‘Roos had regained the lead 18 to 16.The Roosters replied with eight minutes remaining when their lock Loma Atuau charged his way over for what was a converted try and Cobar was back in front 22 to 18.The final tense minutes of the match had the large and vocal crowd on their feet but there was to be no addition to either score and the Roosters had not only won the game but also the right to host the 2024 grand final on August 31.High quality games all aroundThe high quality of football shown in the first grade game was also mirrored in the lower grades with the Narromine Jets coming from 8 nil down to get over the top of the Dunedoo Swannettes 18 to 14 in the league tag, the Gilgandra Panthers just edging out the Binnaway Bombshells 16 to 12 in the reserve grade after both sides scored three tries and Cobar winning the Youth League 28 to 12 over Gulgong.The football action continued Sunday with the Gulgong Terriers featuring in all grades in the minor semi finals that were played at Narromine.Unfortunately, it was a case of three up and three down for the club, as they lost the reserve grade 46 to 16 to the Baradine Magpies, before going down 38 to 12 to the Coolah Flyers in the league tag and then much to the dismay of their supporters their first grade side could not hold on to an 18 to 6 lead that they held midway through the second half with the fast finishing Narromine Jets storming home to stay alive in the 2024 premiership race with a 24 to 18 victory.Roos to play at Bowen OvalThe Coolah Kangaroos will be hoping that the weather gods are on their side this week so that they can get to play the preliminary finals at Bowen Oval on Saturday.The Kangaroos will have both their league tag and first grade sides in action up against Dunedoo and Narromine respectively.The reserve grade game between Binnaway and Baradine will get proceedings underway at 10.15am followed by the youth league clash between Binnaway and Gulgong then the league tag and first grade with the winners advancing to the grand finals the following Saturday.Christie and Hood Castlereagh League semi-final scoreMajor semi finals results played at Dunedoo Saturday, August 17Reserve gradeGilgandra 16 (Lachlan Briggs, George Alchin, Jay Towney tries, Alex Sutherland 2 goals) defeated Binnaway 12 (Cody Whitty, Ben Harris, Logan Meyers tries).Youth LeagueCobar 28 (Reece Josephson 3, Oisin McMullen, Aiden Swan tries, Tadgh McMullen 4 goals) defeated Gulgong 12 (Kayden Whiley, Jackson Pascoe tries, Caiden Horton 2 goals).League TagNarromine 18 (Emily Fardell 2, Chloe McLean , Emily Edwards tries, Shian Chatfield goal) defeated Dunedoo 14 (Shelley Cox, Alexis Gallagher, Lauren Sullivan tries , Georgia Price goal).First GradeCobar 22 (Fraser Talu 2, Jack Brown, Loma Atuau tries, Thomas Plater 3 goals) defeated Coolah 18 (Chanse Burgess 2, Josh Charles tries, Dan Lane 3 goals).Minor semi finals results played at Narromine Sunday, August 18:Reserve GradeBaradine 46 (Liam Blackhall 2, Wade Sutherland 2, Connor Hughes, Travis Houghton, Will Nash, John Milgate tries, Liam Fernando 6 goals) defeated Gulgong 16 ( Tyron Reynolds 2, John Douglas tries, Jai Cai 2 goals).League TagCoolah 38 (Brooklyn Blackadder 5, Jacinta Dummett, Molly Burgess tries, Lisa Jones 5 goals) defeated Gulgong 12 (Imogen Hollow, Chloe Patrick tries, Claire Bodiam 2 goals).First GradeNarromine 24 (Janus Walford, Epeli Draunidalo, Brad Pickering, Ryan McCarney tries, Pickering 3 goals) defeated Gulgong 18 (Blake Gorrie, Will Hawkins, Willie Daucakacaca tries, Brad James 3 tries)Preliminary Finals to be played at Coolah Saturday, August 24First game to kick off at 10.15am with other games to follow:Reserve GradeBinnaway V BaradineYouth League Gulgong V BinnawayLeague TagDunedoo V CoolahFirst GradeCoolah V Narromine

By COLIN HODGESLocal trainer Wayne Prisk has now won the two feature races for 2024 at Cobar with the same horse, Dancing In The Sky.Nyssa Burrells travelled from the southern highlands in June to win the Westrac Cobar Cup on Dancing In The Sky and on Saturday 17 August the Narromine based Ricky Blewitt was the winning jockey in the DJW and Wells Ventilation Cobar Picnic Cup.Making the Cup win even more special on Saturday, Wayne Prisk landed a winning treble with his other winners being Parnassus and Rylstone Rocket.This was a popular achievement as Wayne Prisk is a great supporter of western area racing, regularly travelling long distances to start big teams at meetings.Penique set the early pace in the 1700 metres Picnic Cup until Dancing In The Sky took over at the 1200 metres and proceeded to make the race a one act affair.Owned by Wayne Prisk and Butch Eves from Cobar, Dancing In The Sky (Ricky Blewitt, $3.50) won by nearly four lengths from Valadyium (Leandro Ribeiro, $3.20 favourite) and Eaglesaurus (Eloise Drews, $5.50).Rylstone Rocket ($10) is also raced by Wayne Prisk and Butch Eves and with Gilgandra based Zara Lewis in the saddle came from fourth to beat Mista Sock (Todd Bailey, $7) and Oojah Capow (Ricky Blewitt, $2.30 favourite) in the 1400 metres Sullivans Mining and Hardware Class B Handicap.IMAGE: Emma DatsonPart owned by the trainers son Geoff Prisk, Parnassus (Deborah Barton, $5) gave a taste of the good things to come for the stable when sweeping around the field to beat the leader La Magia (Izzy Neale, $2.20 favourite) and Kitty’s Pledge (Zara Lewis, $13) to win the opening event, the 1000 metres Cobar Cranes and Tyre Doctor Maiden Plate.For Deborah Barton this was her second career winner, the first being on Anymarg’illdo at Bligh Picnics.Wayne Prisk went close to 4 winners at Cobar as A Tender Lady (Zara Lewis, $7) led by a big margin in the 1000 metres The Stabilising and Geosecure Class B Handicap however was overhauled and beaten a half length by the Michael Plummer, Narromine trained Northern Excel (Izzy Neale, $5) with Wabrami (Todd Bailey, $2.80 favourite) a close third.Zara Lewis brought up a Cobar double when the Ashley Gibson, Gilgandra trained Alaskan Aura ($6) raced handy to the lead before kicking clear from Blackhill Kitty ( Todd Bailey, $8) and Bush Warrior (Izzy Neale, $7) in the 1400 metres Nutrien Russell-Picnic Championship Preview Trophy Handicap.Premiership winning trainer Connie Greig dominated the 1200 metres Cynend Building and Construction Trophy Handicap with the first 3 place getters in the 9 horse field.Ridden by John Wilson, Celtic Harp ($5.50) finished well to beat stablemates Benyatta (Eloise Drews, $7) and the heavily supported Allande (Leandro Ribeiro, $3.50 to $2.30 favourite ).IMAGE: Emma DatsonNext up in the western plains, Narromine (TAB) is set to race on Sunday 25 August with the $40,000 Narromine Cup to feature, while the Gulargambone Cup is scheduled for Saturday 31 August.

Nyngan has celebrated its national Athletes in the past couple of weeks with home grown athlete Courtney Watt adding a gold medal to the tally - albeit not at the Olympics.Courtney was part of the national women’s 27’s team that took out the top honour at the Australian Oztag Invitational Challenge held in Coffs Harbour last week. In a thrilling final the Australian team took out the win against Great Britain 7-4 and the team were ecstatic. “It was an amazing experience getting to debut playing for Australia with such a strong team of very experienced and knowledgeable women,” said Courtney. “I am truly grateful for the experience.” With teams from Great Britain, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Samoa, Philippines, Timor Leste, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, China, Ireland, Niue, Cook Islands, Palestine, Greece, Malta, Italy and Cambodia, it was no mean feat to claim the title. Courtney, who grew up in Nyngan playing all sports, really took to Oztag when she moved to Canberra for University, playing in several major representative sides during her career.Photos courtesy of Oztag Australia and Courtney Watt Oztag is the original non-tackling version of Rugby League and Rugby, which was founded in 1992. With over 140,000 people playing across Australia, the sport caters to every age group and gender. Courtney has been supported on her sporting journey by her husband Hayden, two boys Archie and Lucas, and parents Brad and Sonia Lane. A recent move home to Nyngan has her sharing her love of sport and her skills with the Nyngan community as part of the Bogan Bulls Tri Tag team and local Little Athletics club.

Sixty students from Baradine and Coonabarabran have advanced from white to yellow belt in Go-Kan-Ryu (GKR) Karate. Participants of all ages were congratulated at a training session and belt presentation ceremony held at the Baradine Memorial Hall on July 21.Karate students in action at the Baradine Memorial Hall. (Image: Liz Cutts).GKR founder and chief instructor, Kancho Robert Sullivan explained the belt journey process and took the students though some new moves.“This is their first grading; they have been learning some different techniques,” he said.“Their training focus so far has been on developing basic moves. Having achieved their yellow belt, they will now be introduced to two important elements of karate training, Kata and Kumite.“It will take three or four months to progress to the green belt, followed by blue and red belts. There are then three separate levels of brown belt, finishing with the black belt. The whole journey can take from four to seven years.Kancho Sullivan is an 8th Dan Black Belt and has been training in and teaching karate since 1964. He spent time learning and teaching in both Japan and the USA before establishing GKR in 1984. His original aim was to build a small karate club, but he soon realised that teaching karate was something that would become his lifelong vocation.“My fascination for karate led me to training in the Japanese style of Goju-Kai,” he explained. “Over the next decade I spent most of my time studying and learning two of the most prominent Japanese styles of karate, Goju and Keishinkan (Shotokan).“I initially taught in Broken Hill many years ago and it is great now that it is here in Baradine and Coonabarabran. It certainly seems to have caught on; the response has been wonderful. Baradine and Coonabarabran karate students received their yellow belts at the certification ceremony. (Image: Liz Cutts).“Training for karate keeps me active and physically fit. I will be 77 years old later this year, so I am an advocate for karate as a great activity for all ages. Once you see some skills happening you get stimulated from learning new techniques and coordinating your body. I modify the techniques as I get older. “As long as I can stand and walk, I will continue to do some movements in Karate. Once you get into it, it is very enjoyable.”   

After seven years, the Barwon Darling Rugby League mens title is back in Brewarrina hands after the Golden Googars defeated the Bourke Warriors in the Sunday grand final, 18-14.The showdown drew at least 150 spectators to a cool but rainless day in Walgett, where the Warriors' fate was sealed with a disallowed try in the last five minutes of the second half.Googer supporters exploded onto the field after the final whistle and club president Sharon Fox screamed so hard that she "had no voice" the next morning."All outback towns love their football, but Bre's passionate about their football," Sharon said."They love the crowd. They like doing it for the crowd and community."Every time they scored a try, the crowd was just wild."The last time Brewarrina took the trophy was in 2017. PHOTO: Facebook/ Peyton L Kelly The Googars built on a 10-2 lead from half time, although Bourke didn't let them take the cup without a fight..Warriors president George Orcher said his team, who had expected to face Walgett in the final, were "gutted.""We'll get over it," he said."We were slow to start, but we worked into it."Brewarrina played enormous. They dominated with every forward pack," Mr Orcher said."It was played in good spirit."It's the second time in as many years that Bourke has missed out in a grand final, losing last year to a joint Goodooga-Lightning Ridge side.The 15s girls' tag sides Brewarrina Golden Googars and Lightning Ridge Redbacks. PHOTO: Facebook/ Peyton L Kelly Brewarrina's girls under-15 tag side had less luck against the Lightning Ridge Redbacks, losing 60-0, although Sharon said they weren't too down in the dumps."They were just stoked because they got to the grand final," she said."I said to them 'it doesn't matter if you win, lose or draw. You got to the grand final.'"

The Bourke Warriors will face longtime rivals Brewarrina after the Golden Googars headed off Walgett to book a spot in the mens Barwon Darling Rugby League grand final. Brewarrina defeated the Walgett Dragons on their own turf on Saturday 27 July, leading 36-12 by the final whistle. Warriors president George Orcher said he had been expecting to face Walgett, although he's not counting out a tough fight tomorrow. "It's a fierce rivalry, but we're looking forward to the challenge," he said. "They've done well after they got their act together towards the end of the year. "Should be a good match."The Bourke mens side haven't won the tournament for six years.He promised a strong crowd of supporters in Walgett tomorrow. Both teams are hungry for the mens title after a more than five year drought. The Warriors last won it in 2018, losing in the grand final last year to a joint Goodooga-Lightning Ridge side, while Brewarrina haven't held the title since 2017. Googars president Sharon Fox said the Bre-Bourke rivalry has stretched at least to when she was in school in the 1980s. "We're expecting a few supporters too, so it should be a good day," she said. "We're just so excited." Brewarrina also have the under 15s girls playing in the finals against Lightning Ridge Redbacks.