Golfers throughout the region teed up in Baradine recently for an annual competition held in remembrance of a former player.Players had a perfect, if windy, day at the Baradine Golf Club Russell Chilstone (Chilly) memorial trophy day held on Saturday, 22 May.The event was funded by the former NSW Government Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program, with support from the Warrumbungle Shire Council. Club secretary, Paul Leonard said organisers were delighted with the roll up for the three-person Ambrose 18-hole event.“The course was in top condition and what a great day it was with the windy pines living up to its reputation,” said Mr Leonard. “A big thanks go to all the players and our club members for making this such an awesome event.“Congratulations go to the trophy winning team and a special thanks to the ladies for their work preparing food and serving beverages. We are all delighted that this competition has become well and truly established as an annual event.”The local team of Tony Arndell, Nic Dewson and Zac Buckley took out the memorial trophy with a score of 52.9. Second place went to last year’s winners, James Whillock, David Cruickshank and Jason Mills. Third place went to Bryce Daniels, Wyllie Waterford and Clint Weasley and the encouragement award, to the group that came last went, to Natalie Varty’s team.  Steve Masling won the men’s longest drive and nearest to the pin going to Tony Arndell on the fifth and Trent McGlashan on the fourteenth hole. Kylie Patterson was congratulated for winning both the ladies longest drive and nearest to the pin on the fourteenth.

THE embattled Marthaguy Picnic Race Club have taken another hit, with their 2023 meeting cancelled, despite what committee members say was their best track preparation in years.After their 2020 meeting was withdrawn due to COVID they re-gathered for a successful day in 2021, before being washed out in 2022.Three days prior to the races on Wednesday 3 May a stipendiary steward from Racing NSW had visited the race track to conduct a pre-race inspection and determined the track unsafe to race on due to cracking in the ground.On the previous Saturday (29 April), Quambone had received 20millimetres of rain forcing all track work to stop until that Wednesday."That washed out the dirt from the cracks that the stipend had discovered," said Life Member Marg Garnsey."The thing is, those cracks were there three weeks earlier when he gave us the thumbs up to race, and they were easy enough to fix.""We could've fixed it in time."Marthaguy Race Club Vice-president, Simon Turnbull was concerned that the decision to cancel was based on a lack of familiarity with local soils."I went and got a local very experienced farmer, Glen Jones, and he said to bar it, and that would have seen the soft fill go into the cracks, but the stipend did not have the confidence that this would achieve the desired effect," said Mr Turnbull."At the end of the day, all we wanted was two hours to prove the remedial works would be successful. "They wanted the track up to scratch by acceptances on Thursday morning.""If given the chance, we would have worked through the night to have the track ready for an inspection."Brian Charman, head of Racing NSW Country says that the decision to declare the track unsuitable was supported by the Chairman of Stewards, Racing NSW and Racing NSW Country."It was a terrible situation," he said. "The Quambone club are very hardworking and we are well aware of what these race meetings mean to these clubs and their communities."There are twenty eight meetings a year within the Picnic Racing section and we make sure every effort is made to allow them to race."In our opinion the track was not presented as suitable for racing and was not in a condition to be brought up to standard in time to race on the Saturday."It comes down to the fact that the rain developed some large cracks and holes in the ground that we weren't prepared to risk the safety of horses and riders," he said.President Doug Andrews firmly believed that the race day could have and should have gone ahead if the club had been given the opportunity to undertake remedial work."Clubs really need support to race and not be given reasons not to race," said Mr Andrews."We could definitely have raced, and the track would've been in good condition."Mr Charman says that Racing NSW Country are looking to run a replacement race meeting in the region to ensure prizemoney is distributed to participants.In the meantime, the members of Marthaguy Picnic Race Club held an alternate event and have advised they’ll now be working towards an event in 2024.

NYNGAN's Bogan Bulls have kicked off their Western Plains 2023 season with an unexpected 13-7 win against the Warren Pumas to win the annual Bomber Moxham/Barry Beach Cup.   It was a home game for the Bulls and a good crowd turned out to see the annual Nyngan-Warren tussle for the Cup named in honour of two rugby stalwarts – Bogan Bull, Bomber Moxham and Warren Puma, Barry Beach.   There was some doubt the Bulls would field a team for this year’s rugby union season, but the executive had worked hard over the past couple of months to pull a combination of new recruits and old hands together.   Bulls coach Bubba Perry was delighted with the first-round win against last year’s finalists but admitted it was a surprise.   ABOVE: Bulls stalwart Tom Cleaver with coach Bubba Perry “I went to bed Friday accepting that Warren might put a cricket score on us due to minimal preparation and a few players going up a couple of belt sizes over the off-season but once that whistle went everyone played with enthusiasm and passion so that in the wet conditions Warren found it hard to match,” he said.   It was a similar story across the rest of the Western Plains, with rain-affected games on the menu wherever you went. Reigning premiers Walgett went away to Cobar and got their season off to a flier, defeating them 29-22; Bourke dominated an undermanned Gulargambone 50-0 at home; and in the Womens the Bourke Ewes defeated Gular 20-5 and Walgett defeated Cobar 90-5.    The first round of the competition was dubbed "Mental Health" round. Western Plains Rugby Union partnered with the referees to raise awareness of mental health and inclusivity.  The Bogan Bulls kicked off the their first round by offering free entry for all to Larkin Oval. ABOVE: Bogan Bulls Captain Brett Moody with Angus Currans after the game 

Narromine rugby league stalwart and sporting great Robert (Bob) Weir, who passed away in March 2022 aged 85, has been posthumously honoured at a special ceremony at Cale Oval on April 29.Mr Weir’s decades-long involvement in local and representative rugby league, and his renown as the eminent builder of some of the district’s most iconic structures remain unsurpassed.It was highly fitting then that the official opening of the new million-dollar Bob Weir Grandstand was part of the prestigious International Legends of League event held at the oval.Members of Mr Weir’s family joined Narromine Shire Mayor, Cr Craig Davies, Member for the Dubbo Electorate, Dugald Saunders, and hundreds of community members at the event which saw the QUBE Agri Narromine Jets All-Stars take on the International Legends of League Alkane Resources Team on a thoroughly drenched Cale Oval.Despite the very wet weather, there were smiles all round as Mrs Judy Weir and Dugald Saunders unveiled a plaque honouring Mr Weir’s stellar career.Debuting in first grade with the Narromine Jets in 1955 at just 18, Mr Weir spent over 26 years as a player, captain-coach and non-playing coach.His representative playing career included Group 11, Western Division, NSW Country Firsts and NSW jerseys. His coaching career included Group 11, Western Division and NSW Country appointments, and he served as a NSW Country selector for nine years.The new Bob Weir Grandstand is a welcome addition to the Cale Oval Precinct.“It is great to see the Cale Oval Grandstand completed and appropriately named. The late Mr Bob Weir is considered one of Narromine’s greatest local sportsmen,” said Cr Davies.“He donned both NSW and country league jerseys, played in international clashes and won three premierships as the coach of Narromine Jets Rugby League Club.“It is to honour [Bob’s] memory that we are here to dedicate his name to this grandstand,” he said, welcoming Mr Weir’s extended family to the event. He also acknowledged the many rugby league legends who had travelled to Narromine to participate in the headlining exhibition match.Dugald Saunders said the International Legends of League event was a fantastic occasion for the Weir family to be present as the community formally recognised the contributions of the late Bob Weir.“Not just as a footy player but also as a community member,” Mr Saunders said.Mr Weir’s granddaughter, Fallon Attwater, spoke on behalf of Mrs Judy Weir and the family.Judy Weir, Fallon Attwater, Dugald Saunders and Mick Burns unveil the plaque honouring the late Bob Weir.“We as a family would like to express how much it means to have this building named in honour of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Bob Weir.“It is an incredibly touching and heartfelt tribute, and we are very grateful beyond words,” Ms Attwater said.She described her grandfather as an exceptional person and said the grandstand would be a testament to his memory and the incredible impact he had on the local community.“This building will be a constant reminder of his contributions and a symbol of his legacy,” she said, thanking the Narromine Shire Council, Cr Davies, Mr Saunders, and the Narromine Jets, including club president Mick Burns.The new multipurpose grandstand and club facilities form an integral part of the Cale Oval Sporting Precinct, an open and unique space in the centre of Narromine which also includes netball and tennis courts.Narromine Shire Council secured a mix of state and federal funding totalling $1.38 million for the precinct upgrade, which will conclude with the complete refurbishment of the tennis club and courts.“Narromine has a strong and long association with all sports and is regarded as the 'Town of Champions',” said Cr Davies.Almost a dozen sporting high achievers are known to hail from the surrounding region and the Council is investigating how to appropriately acknowledge their achievements.

By Bryson LuffChristie and Hood Castlereagh LeagueIn what equates to a somewhat staggered start to the 2023 Christie and Hood Castlereagh League season a number of competition games were played in both the youth league and league tag competitions over the weekend, the majority of those being in Gilgandra on Sunday when six league tag games were contested.Cobar, Dunedoo and Narromine did enough at Gilgandra to suggest that they will be in the mix when it comes to semi final time, all three handing in strong performances, although Coonamble certainly gave the Dunedoo Swannettes a run for their money before going down in what was one of the tighter games witnessed on the dayABOVE: Baradine Player pushes through Dunnedoo's defence.Attention now turns to round one of the competition with some appetizing first grade games on offer.After spending 2022 in limbo the Coonabarabran Unicorns find themselves back on the paddock and at home to the Baradine Magpies in a local derby that should attract a huge crowd between these two archrivals.If past epic contests between the two near neighbours is anything to go this will be no place for the faint hearted and a fierce battle is anticipated.A little further south another local derby will be taking place when the Binnaway Bombshells will play host to the Dunedoo Swans in a match that will be a real test for both outfits, this being especially so for the home side who are making a comeback to first grade after several seasons.That fact alone should ensure that “The Crater” is extremely well populated with spectators who will be eager to get some sort of gauge on their respective team’s prospects for the 2023 season.In other games the Gulgong Bull Terriers will be keen to start their centenary year with a bold showing against the Narromine Jets whilst the visitors will be out to build on what was a very productive first year in the Castlereagh League competition in 2022 and a tight match could well be on the cards.Meanwhile the Coonamble Bears will be out to impress their home crowd when they entertain the 2022 premiers, the Cobar Roosters at Bear Park.Gilgandra will have the bye.ABOVE: Narromine Player uses her hips to slide through Binnaways defence.Christie and Hood Castlereagh League Scores Youth League games played at Narromine Saturday 29th AprilCobar 60 defeated Gilgandra 0Narromine 28 (Zac Hignett, Harry McPherson, Rory Miller Corn, Ashton Coleman, Charlie Bonham tries, McPherson 3 goals) defeated Binnaway 0League Tag games played at Gilgandra Sunday 30th April.Coonamble 16 (Rikkilee Nixon-Welsh, Imogen Pawley, Tori Canham tries, Canham 2 goals) defeated Gilgandra 8 (Trista Raines, Chloe McLean tries) Half time Coonamble 6/4Dunedoo 28 (Madeline Cox 2, Annie Christensen 2, Lauren Sullivan tries, Christensen 4 goals) defeated Baradine 0. Half time Dunedoo 16/0.Narromine 42 (Shian Chatfield 3, Shayana Naden 2, Jacana Powell, Kelsea Phillips tries, Shian Chatfield 6, Talitha Chatfield goals.) defeated Binnaway 0.Half time Narromine 24/0.Cobar 32 (Sarah Morley 3, Brianna Watson, Sophie Clarke, Georgia Boland tries, Watson 4 goals) defeated Gilgandra 0.Half time Cobar 16/0.Dunedoo 14 (Annie Christensen 2, Lauren Sullivan tries, Christensen goal) defeated Coonamble 8 (Rikkilea Nixon-Welsh, Emily Ryan tries)Half time Dunedoo 10/4.Cobar 28 (Bridgette Negfeldt 2, Sarah Morley 2, Brennah Aumua tries, Brianna Watson 4 goals) defeated Binnaway 0Half time Cobar 6/0.*Games Friday and Saturday 5th and 6th MayFriday: Gilgandra V Narromine in Youth league @ 6.30pmSaturday; Coonamble V Cobar, Gulgong V Narromine, Binnaway V Dunedoo (Binnaway V Cobar in Youth League at 12.00pm), Coonabarabran V Baradine (Gilgandra V Baradine in League Tag @ Coonabarabran 1.15pm)

Beautiful weather and a six-race program drew a large crowd to the Nyngan Race track for the annual Anzac Day races. Traditionally Nyngan’s “day” the races draws a mostly local crowd who enjoy the opportunity to get together after the morning Anzac Day services. On the track the Snow Robb trained Rylan’s Pick, owned by local pair Ken and Kerry Wright, won the 1400 metre Nyngan cup for a second successive year – this time by a massive five lengths. Race-caller Tim Moses drew the horse in the Calcutta at the Nyngan Golf Club the night before, and held onto him to claim the prize. ABOVE: Rylans Pick won the Nyngan Cup, feature race of the day. Pictured with NJC president Denis Thorpe, trainer Snow Robb, owner's representative Sandra Beetson and jockey Clayton Gallagher. Trainers Connie Greig and Bryan Dixon tied for the most wins on the day with two each, but after placings were taken into account, Connie took the honours. Former Nyngan apprentice jockey Clayton Gallagher was the most successful hoop.  There was also plenty of fashion action on the day. Samantha Portelli from clothing boutique, Ruby Maine in Dubbo judged the ladies and gentlemen sections, selecting Sophie Doughty from Nyngan as the “classic lady’ and Jen Webster, also from Nyngan as the contemporary lady. The best dressed gentleman was Nathan Sanders from Dubbo. Amanda Thorpe judged the teenager and children’s fashions, choosing Harrison Sanders from Dubbo as best dressed teen; Hayley Edwards from Nyngan as best dressed child; and Mackenna Sanders from Dubbo as best dressed tot. BELOW: Best dressed gentleman Nathan Sanders from Dubbo with judge and sponsor Samantha Portelli, Ruby Maine Dubbo  

By Bryson LuffThe Dunedoo Swanettes league tag side are the first holders of the Jessica Skinner Challenge Cup after they won the Christie and Hood Castlereagh League league tag knockout that was played at Coonamble last Saturday.The Swanettes, who have been one of the leading teams in recent years in the Castlereagh league tag competition, served notice that they will once again be right in the mix for premiership honours after they defeated Binnaway 14 to 4 in the preliminary round of the competition then downing Cobar 26 to nil in a semi final before turning it on in the second half of the final against Narromine.The Jets took an early six points to nil lead in the game and still lead six points to four at half-time, but the second stanza saw the Swanette’s speedsters gain the ascendency, racing in three unanswered tries to run out 20 points to six winners.In addition to winning the Castlereagh Knockout Shield they also took home with them the Jessica Skinner Challenge Cup.This is the first year that the Jessica Skinner Challenge Cup has been played for and it was decided that the winners of the 2023 league tag knockout be the first holders of the Cup.Jessica Skinner with the Dunedoo team who are not only the winners of the KO Shield but also the first holders of the Jessica Skinner Challenge Cup. PHOTO: Peter Sherwood PhotographyIronically the Swanette’s first defence of the Cup will be when they play Narromine at Dunedoo in round six of the competition.The Youth League round robin that was also played at Coonamble on Saturday saw the Narromine Jets take home the Shield after they were undefeated in all their games. League Tag ScoresPreliminary roundsNarromine 30 defeated Gilgandra 0, Coonamble and Baradine drew 10 all (Coonamble advanced due to being the first scorer), Dunedoo 14 defeated Binnaway 4, Cobar bye. Consolation rounds.Baradine 24 defeated Gilgandra 4, Cobar 12 defeated Binnaway 8Consolation finalCobar 8 defeated Baradine 4.Knockout semis.Narromine 6 defeated Coonamble 4, Dunedoo 26 defeated Cobar 0FinalDunedoo 20 defeated Narromine 4.

By COLIN HODGESBuilding on a good record in central west feature races, Tara and Philippe Vigouroux who train in partnership at Hawkesbury, won the 1300 metres Narromine USMC Diggers Cup on Thursday at Narromine with Zouologist. Runner up to Hit The Target in the 2020 Soldiers Saddle at Bathurst, Zouologist then won the 2021 Soldiers Saddle and the Vigouroux stable won the race again in 2022 with Lemaire. Ridden at Narromine by Ben Looker, Zouoligist ($6.50) led for home from Ferus and Foreign Brother and then staved off a challenge from Hit The Rim (Brooke Stower, $6) to win by a long neck with Deel Street (Ken Dunbar, $26) powering to the line from a long way back to finish third. Ben Looker completed a double the next race on the Clint Lundholm, Dubbo trained Raging Rush which is raced by several committee members of Wellington Race Club. Fifth in the Country Championship Qualifier at Coonamble two starts prior, Raging Rush ($3.80 to $2.90 favourite) settled behind the leaders in the 1100 metres Three Rivers Machinery Class 3 Handicap at Narromine and finished best to account for Gold Counter (Brooke Stower, $41) and Driving Force (Grant Buckley, $5). Narromine trainer Wayne Collison who won with $15 chance Luckyimwithaimee at Warren recently, had another long odds winner Sister’s Pick at his home track in the 1100 metres CAD Contracting Maiden Plate. Bred by Wally Prout from Gilgandra and raced by the winning trainers wife Robyn Douglas, Sister’s Pick led to the home turn where the favourite Din drew alongside. Din (Chelsea Hillier, $2.40) veered wide and raced greenly while Sisters Pick (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $51) raced away to score by over two lengths with Pants On Fire (Ronald Simpson, &5) a head away third. Jake Pracey-Holmes is riding in great form and the other legs of a treble, My Mirka (($15) for Mudgee trainer David Smith and the Michael Lunn, Dubbo trained Charlotting ($3.30 fav.) both led all the way.Zouologist, winner of the Narromine USMC Diggers Cup, with jockey Ben Looker, and trainers Tara & Phillippe Vigouroux. IMAGE: Narromine Races fb Former Queensland galloper Mishani Vandal is going well for Dubbo trainer Cindy Monaghan with 2 recent wins including the 1300 metres QUBE Agri Country Boosted Benchmark 50 Handicap at Narromine. Well ridden by apprentice Ronald Simpson, Mishani Vandal ($10 to $5.50) came from midfield to win by over two lengths from Oh No Bro (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $12) and the leader Searchlight (Shayleigh Ingelse, $16). Wyong trainer Damien Lane, formerly from Coonamble, helped punters get off to a good start when Jacky Dee (Patrick Scorse, $2.70 to $2.25 fav.) after sharing the lead won the 1100 metres Aqua West Maiden Plate from Vanoureuce (Ronald Simpson, $3.40) and Decaulette (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $7). After the ANZAC Day meetings at Bathurst and Nyngan, racing is scheduled for Binnaway on Saturday. 

The Narromine Cricket Club were "bowled over" when they heard they had been named the NSW Club of the Year by state governing body, Cricket NSW. The committee were acknowledged for their efforts in rebuilding the club over the past five years. Vice-President Matt Barrett said the process to reinvigorate the floundering club had been definitely worthwhile. "Five years ago we were having to have locals play for Dubbo teams to get a game,' Mr Barrett said. "Now we have standalone teams who play for Narromine in the Dubbo competition which is great." He said receiving the unexpected Cricket NSW award was due to the support of locals for the Narromine club over the past few years. "The recognition is great for the volunteers and parents that have built the club back up from where it was. It was important for the district to get it up and going again." The revitalised club has seen number soar in both junior and senior divisions. Mr Barrett is in charge of the Blaster Cricket which encourages younger players to become involved. "We have a junior blaster competition for five to seven year olds on Friday nights and the Master Blasters, who are between eight and ten also play then. They are mixed teams of boys and girls. Junior teams play Saturday morning." Mr Barret said a number of young people coming through the junior divisions continue to play cricket at senior level for Narromine. Mr Barrett said the club was unaware they had been nominated by the NSW Western Plains representative, Matt Ellis and were still considering how to celebrate the honour. "We are into footy season now, so it's on the backburner. We might look at a celebration early next season."   

By Colin Hodges.Back in action after a break from racing, the talented Ronald Simpson rode a winning double, Cherry Blue and Gretzky, before a good crowd on Saturday 15 April at Warren.Formerly from Brewarrina, Simpson is now apprenticed to Clint Lundholm and for the Dubbo trainer he won the 1600 metres Welsh Family Class 1 & Maiden Plate on the four year old grey gelding Cherry Blue.Raced by the McMahon family from Tullamore, Cherry Blue ($1.90) from last in the big field sliced through the pack to beat Miandelle (Billy Cray, $8) and Hoorini (Andrew Banks, $14) with Phone Home battling on for fourth after leading by four lengths.Gretzky, the comeback winning ride for Ronald Simpson the previous Saturday at Lightning Ridge, was again well ridden at Warren in the 1200 metres Macquarie Valley Rock And Sand Class 3 Handicap.From back in the field, the Dar Lunn, Dubbo trained Gretzky ($3.80) gained an inside run to beat the leader Destiny’s Bounty (Will Stanley, $1.80 favourite) and One Man Band (Jake Barrett, $6).Sister and brother apprentices, Ashleigh Stanley and Will Stanley, fought out the finish of the 1400 metres Warren Services Benchmark 50 Handicap.Coming from near last in the 12 horse field, the Kylie Kennedy, Narromine trained Fiveash (Ashleigh Stanley, $15) won by a neck from Neidr Dawn (Will Stanley, $2.50 fav.) with Punkzy (Ken Dunbar, $12) in third place.Wayne Collison, the father of Kylie Kennedy, made it a family winning double as the trainer of Luckyimwithaimee in the following race, the 1000 metres Paraway Pastoral Company Benchmark 50 Handicap.Will Stanley was aboard Luckyimwithaimee ($13) which came from fifth on the home turn to score in a close finish from Speudosa (Jake Barrett, $4.40) and Pixies Choice (Shayleigh Ingelse, $6).A last start third at Lightning Ridge was followed by a win for the Brett Thompson, Gulgong trained Outside Edge at Warren in the 1400 metres Haddon Rig Maiden Plate.Outside Edge (Shayleigh Ingelse, $1.90 fav.) set the pace and fought off Kirameki (Wendy Peel, $2.70) by a neck wth four lengths to Here’s Harry (Chelsea Hillier, $11).Trained at Gilgandra by Kieren Hazelton, Cuevas more than recouped the recent purchase price when winning the 1200 metres Macquarie Valley Couriers Maiden Handicap.Under very strong riding by Andrew Banks, Cuevas ($5) held off Dumbarton Castle (Will Stanley, $10) by a long neck with the leader Kubaba (Wendy Peel, $2 fav.) a close third.                       ——————————-Racing next at Narromine on Thursday 20 April and on ANZAC Day at Nyngan.

By Colin HodgesSituated in far north west New South Wales within 70 kilometres of the Queensland border, the famous opal mining town Lightning Ridge attracted a very big crowd on Easter Saturday 2023 to their annual race meeting.Although the $74,000 prizemoney is tempting, a major enticement for owners and trainers to start their horses at the isolated venue are the trophies, opal pendants for the support races and a magnificent opal bracelet for the Cup winner, independently valued at $19,500 and created by Jo Lindsay from Lost Sea Opals.The much sought after opal bracelet now has a home with connections of the Kevin Dixon, Tamworth trained Indian Thunder, winner of the 1200 metres P W Concrete Lightning Ridge Cup.One of the best backed runners at the meeting, the 8 year old gelding Indian Thunder started at $7 and with apprentice Kelsey Lenton in the saddle led the 11 horse field to the home turn.Indian Thunder had over two lengths to spare at the finish from The Defiant One (Shayleigh Ingelse, $12) which ran on well along the inside rail while the 2022 Cup winner Fearless Mila (Ronald Simpson, $5) finished third.Making a welcome return to the winners list after a break from racing was the talented apprentice Ronald Simpson on the Dar Lunn, Dubbo trained Gretzky in the 1200 metres Lost Sea Opals Benchmark 45 Handicap.Reaching the lead over the closing stages, Gretzky ($2.80 favourite) won by a neck from the fast finishing Quick Spin (Will Stanley, $12) with Tycoon Jim (Chelsea Ings, $6) in third place.Scone based apprentice Braith Nock bit the dust when riding a bull the previous night at the Lightning Ridge rodeo then backed up to win the 900 metres Dubbo City & Gilgandra Toyota Class 1 Handicap on the Connie Greig, Dubbo trained Benyatta ( $1.80 fav.).Racing wide, Benyatta led most of the way to beat Grenado (Jacob Golden, $6) and Geesheehan (Will Stanley, $4).Another Dubbo trainer to land a winner was Michael Lunn with Royal Samer (Jake Barrett, $4) which held on to beat the strong finishing Better Than Pearls (Chelsea Ings, $7) and Outside Edge ( James Rogers, $2.30 fav.) in the 1200 metres Lightning Ridge Maiden Plate.Always near the lead the Peter Sinclair, Moree trained Katgully Red (Jacob Golden, $3.20) won the 1000 metres Gingie Gallop Benchmark 58 Handicap by over two lengths from Yes Kurt (Kelsey Lenton, $13) and Foxstorm (Andrew Banks,$5.50).Katgully Red began hanging out badly in the straight and unfortunately suffered a catastrophic injury when crashing through the outside fence after the finish.Apprentice Jacob Golden complained of back pain after the incident and was transported to hospital.Starting a clean sweep by apprentices at the meeting, Shayleigh Ingelse won the opening event, the 900 metres Spider & Tiny Brown Memorial Maiden Plate (900 metres) on the Brett Thompson, Gulgong trained Dysnomia.Hugging the inside rail, Dysnomia ($4.40) led for home and won by almost a length from Orreza (James Rogers, $4) and Castlehyde Jake Barrett, $8).Next races in the western plains is on Saturday 15 April at Warren.

By PUBLICITY OFFICERWith the 2023 Christie and Hood Castlereagh League season well and truly on the horizon and fast approaching, the competition has been dealt a major blow with the Trangie Rams indicating that they will not be fielding any teams this year.A few weeks ago, the Rams gave notice that they would not have a League Tag side this year, as did the Coonabarabran Unicorns, but whilst the Unicorns will be fielding a first-grade side this year after sitting out last year, Trangie have now announced that they will be not taking the field in any grade.Their withdrawal has sent Castlereagh officialdom into a frenzy as they scramble to arrive at a solution for what now becomes a very complex situation in regard to the 2023 competition draw.An earlier Trangie Rams training session. IMAGE: facebookCastlereagh Secretary Bryson Luff explained that it is not simply a matter of having a bye when a club was drawn to play the Rams.“As per the wishes of the clubs we had a 14-round draw in place for our ten clubs. The clubs were randomly drawn into two pools of five, with each club playing the other clubs in their same pool twice, and the clubs from the other pool once,” Luff explained.“Now, with the withdrawal of the Rams, we have a situation that the clubs drawn in the same pool as Trangie will get two byes throughout the year, whilst the clubs in the other pool will only get one bye each. This is hardly an ideal or equitable situation!” he continued.“The Castlereagh Board of Directors will be meeting Monday night (3rd April) to see what, if anything, can be done but at the moment it is all up in the air as far as our draw is concerned with time rapidly running out to come up with a solution with our annual knockout taking place on 15th April.”

It's been a few years since commentator Matt Russell first screamed out "RAMIEN! Jesse Ramien on Debut!" in a round 26 match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Newcastle Knights, but in the years that have followed, Coonamble boy Jesse Ramien has forged an NRL career that many can only dream of.Ramien debuted for Cronulla back in 2017 at the age of 20 and made it known early he was one to watch for the future, scoring a spectacular try early in the second half enroute to a debut win.Fast forward five years to Round 3 of 2023, and Jesse's performance in his 100th match looked eerily similar to his 1st, crossing over for yet another try early in the second half.And looking back 100 games later, Jesse still pinches himself that his boyhood dream came true."It feels unreal," said Jesse. "It was always a dream to play one NRL game, let alone notching up 100 under my belt.""And it's sort of a surreal experience, for myself and the family, and everyone who's been a part of the journey along the way."Jesse started his footballing career learning the game with the Coonamble Bears."I pretty much fell in love with the game from a young age, my old man (Kristern) was the captain and coach of the local team," said Jesse."Ever since I could remember I've been around footy and it's taken me to where I am today.""Everything that I've sort of gotten or done has probably been thanks to rugby league and the opportunities its given me."Jesse and dad Kristern run a quick coaching session with Under 8 year olds in Coonamble in 2019. PHOTO: Coonamble TimesHowever, the journey to the NRL is far from easy."It takes a lot, there's a lot of sacrifice and dedication to the sport that you need to have," said Jesse."In order to be where I am today I had to move away from home at a young age.""I sacrificed spending time with family and friends in order to better myself and make a career out of football professionally."Encouraging youngsters in Coonamble, April 2019. IMAGE: Coonamble TimesFollowing a successful 2018 campaign at the Sharks where he secured the right centre position as his own, Jesse moved up the coast to the Steel City to play for the Newcastle Knights.However, the stint at Newcastle wasn’t to last and in 2020 Jesse headed back to Cronulla where he been playing since, busting tackles and crashing over for tries.His career is also highlighted by three representative games for the Indigenous Australia All-Stars."Some advice is just to work hard, it's always going to beat talent," said Jesse."You see some people that are probably not the most talented people in the world, but they’ve got where they are through dedication and hard work.""I feel like if you're a hard worker and you dedicate yourself to a dream or to an opportunity, then you can pretty much do anything and chase any goal."

“Once that bell rings you’re on your own. It’s just you and the other guy.”Ex-Coonamble locals Ryan Towns and Hayden Stevens found this during their first boxing matches last Saturday 25 March.Now Gold Coast-based, the two took part in an eight week boxing challenge following the move up north at the start of the year.“You train and dedicate yourself for eight weeks and at the end of it you hop in the ring and fight,” said Ryan. “It was really great both mentally and physically, it’s all about building up those two things.”“It was good for me, I didn’t really have anything to do up here so it was good to get out and try it,” said Hayden.Both Ryan and Hayden came away as winners on the day, both by split decision – meaning out of the three judges, two voted in favour and one did not.“It was a bit nerve-wracking,” said Hayden.“I was pretty pumped all day for the fight then when the time came the nerves hit me and walking out there, I was pretty nervous.”“But once I was in the ring, I didn’t really take much notice of the crowd or anything I was focused.”The fight card is drawn at random, and a boxer is paired up with someone who also did the challenge with them.“He was a lot bigger than me I can tell you that,” Hayden joked. “I was like yeah I think I’m gone here. But I didn’t have much choice though did I?”ABOVE: “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done” - Ryan Towns won his first fight by split decision on Saturday and can’t wait to hop back in the ring again.As for Ryan, he was taken aback by how different boxing in a gym was compared to boxing in the ring.“I’d done a lot of sparring leading up and I thought that that was it was going to be just with harder punches,” he said.“But it’s totally different, everything you learn goes straight out the window I reckon, you’re fighting to survive each round when you hop in the ring.”“I thought I was losing the whole time I was in there which is just how it goes I suppose.”The fight ran for three rounds, with each round lasting one minute and thirty seconds although Ryan joked that “they felt like five-minute rounds!”The program is also so much more than just working towards the fight at the end the boys say.“You’re building your fitness up and learning a new skill,” said Hayden.“And not only will you be physically fitter and mentally stronger, but in your day-to-day tasks you’re performing better. At work you feel better dealing with things and you can handle situations better,” said Ryan.“Your mind is just so much clearer which is probably the best benefit from it.”During the challenge, the days were long for both Ryan and Hayden, who barely had a minute to sleep during the eight weeks.“We weren’t finishing work sometimes until 5, then we’d drive 45 minutes to the gym, then do an hour there, and when you get home you’ve only really got time for a shower and a quick feed,” said Ryan.“Then you’re back up at 5 and ready to do it all again.”“We would do six days a week, including Saturday mornings, so a part of me is glad it’s over and I can rest a bit.”Following the challenge, the impact on them both is clear – it was positive in every facet.“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” said Ryan. “And it’s so surreal when you get in the ring.”“Loved every minute of it,” concluded Hayden. 

AS the opportunities within women’s rugby continue to develop, one of Coonamble’s own is forging a path for herself within the growing game.Making her refereeing debut in the Waratahs and Western Force game on Friday 24 March was Ella Goldsmith, 25 year old daughter of Jamie & Leonie Goldsmith.“I was the AR, or assistant referee for the Friday night game at Allianz but this weekend I’m off to Fiji and I’ll be the one in the middle for the Drua and Rebels game,” said Ella.“Then I’ve got two more after that.”Ella began her refereeing journey back in 2021 following a short stint playing AFL.“AFL just wasn’t really my thing, so I started to get my refereeing levels up in rugby,” said Ella.“I had played rugby but stopped in 2020 to try something new.”“Even with that little break in between when I was playing AFL I was still really involved in rugby, you know coming from Coonamble we all love a bit of rugby.”ABOVE: Ella GoldsmithA path was made available to Ella with the Waratahs development team, and work her way up from gala days to Saturday matches.“The pathways for women’s match officials are huge right now, there’s so many opportunities available, you get to travel the world and meet all these new people.”“For me that’s really welcoming, and I can see a path forward for myself within the game.”“I also find that it’s constantly challenging, you’ll never be able to ref that perfect game so there’s always something to improve on and something to strive for.”What started out as trying something new has lit a fire in Ella to push to be the best referee she can be.“I started off doing it for fun and to challenge myself, however, I think I’m really excited that I’ve been given some great opportunities to further develop my skills and challenge myself further like being able to referee in the Super W,” said Ella.“You don’t have to want to ref at the next World Cup you can just be content with refereeing your local fixture every Saturday.”“But for me, I’m constantly striving to challenge myself and take those opportunities.”As for her refereeing style, she says “It’s a tricky question.”“Coming from a playing perspective I have a good understanding of the game.”“I don’t know if I have a hard set-in-stone style, but I watch so many other referees and I try to take some things that they do well and put it to practice.”“Everyone referees very differently, I like to think I’m a good listener but can also be a strong communicator, you have to have both qualities to take charge of a game.”And despite such a rapid rise to the premier grade of women’s rugby in Australia, Ella says the transition is going well.“I’m still getting used to things like broadcast and wearing the communication vests - you get broadcasters listening to you and coaches listening to you as well so that’s always in the back of your head.”“But for me when I’m actually in the game, I’m in it, relaxed and ready to go.”“I like to referee your everyday Saturday game just like I’d referee in the super W.”Like many in her position, Ella has taken inspiration from the trailblazing Amy Perrett.“She’s my coach and she was my main inspiration,” said Ella.“I’m sure if you ask any other female match officials, they’ll probably say the same.”“She’s the only female that’s refereed a Super Rugby game in the middle, and she’s been instrumental in the growth of the game and bring more females into the game.”You can watch Ella take centre stage this weekend on Saturday 1 April, when she referees the Super W match between the Fijian Drua and Melbourne Rebels at 12:05 pm.

By COLIN HODGESYoung gun trainers Clint Lundholm and Brett Robb are off to Royal Randwick in April for a shot at the $500,000 prizemoney on offer for the Newhaven Park Country Championship after Listen To The Band and Sizzle Minizzle qualified for the Final, before a big crowd on Sunday at Coonamble.Both trainers are based at Dubbo, with Lundholm being reared at Coonamble and Robb formerly from Nyngan.The Lundholm trained Listen To The Band is building a remarkable record winning, 5 of the 6 starts since an injury enforced 2 year absence from the racetrack.Despite now being an 8 year old, Listen To The Band has only raced 9 times and is improving with every run while the Robb trained Sizzle Minizzle is also lightly raced and appears an outstanding prospect.In the $150,000 Newhaven Park Western Racing Association Country Championships Qualifier over 1400 metres, Listen To The Band began quickly from a wide barrier and took the early lead from Boom Boom Basil, Amulet Street and Ferus.Challenged in the straight, Listen To The Band (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $6.50) fought on gamely to win by a neck from Sizzle Minizzle (Brooke Stower, $10) with the third, fourth and fifth placegetters, Smooth Esprit (Ben Looker, $21) , Hit The Rim (Serg Lisnyy) and Watch Me Rumble (Ashley Morgan) all being trained by Clint Lundholm.Jake Pracey-Holmes is riding in sensational form and he earlier combined with Clint Lundholm for an all the way with Avalicious ($2.20 favourite) from River Rocket (Braith Nock, $6) and Boho Chick (Grant Buckley, $7) in the 1400 metres Inland Petroleum Benchmark 58 Showcase Handicap.Now a successful trainer at Wyong, Damien Lane began his career at Coonamble and he was back home for the day to win the 1100 metres Wellington Boot Prelude-2yo Handicap with Sparkingly.Given a nice run behind the leader, Sparkingly (Grant Buckley, $3.80) raced clear to win by almost two lengths from Chandon Star (Clayton Gallagher, $17) and Devine Chops, $1.55 favourite).Sparkingly is now exempt from the ballot for the $200,000 Wellington Boot on March 26, a race the popular Damien Lane won in 2021 with Sonnet Star.Wrapping up a great days racing at Coonamble, the Brett Robb trained D’Arpano (Jake Barrett, $5.50) tracked the leaders then finished best to beat Hiraishin (Chelsea Hillier, $3.20 favourite) and In The Road (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $11) in the 1100 metres QUBE Agri Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Showcase Handicap.

By GREG PRICHARDBoom Boom Basil has had his problems and can take a lot of work to get right for races, but Dubbo trainer Brett Robb knows it’s worth the effort with the horse heading towards the $150,000 Newhaven Park WRA Country Championships Qualifier at Coonamble on Sunday 12 March.“He’s our top seed for the race,” Robb said. “There are plenty of good pointers with him.“He’s won a TAB Highway in town and he’s finished second in a Highway. This will be his first try over 1400 metres, but the way he finished off at his last start (over 1312m) I think he’ll definitely get the distance. He’s a good, tough horse.”That most recent run - at Dubbo on February 15 – was in a Country Championships Preview Class 4 Handicap and Boom Boom Basil battled out the finish with the Clint Lundholm-trained pair Listen To The Band (first) and Amulet Street (third).Listen To The Band and Amulet Street will also be among the leading contenders at Coonamble, so the form was strong.“Boom Boom Basil is a hard horse to keep sound,” Robb said. “I race him and bring him home and patch him up and give him a good space between runs and he’s the type of horse that races better that way.“We’ve taken it real slow with him this time in, with the Country Championships in mind. He’s had just the two runs ahead of the qualifier.”Robb is also aiming Sizzle Minizzle and Billiethefillie at the qualifier. The trainer won last year’s WRA qualifier with Great Buy, which went on to finish 11th in the final at Randwick.“When we won with Great Buy I didn’t know how to take it at first,” he said.“We hadn’t been down at Dubbo all that long after moving from Nyngan and when we won the Picnic Championship a few months earlier that was a big enough thrill for me. But winning the qualifier was a different ball-game. Definitely a big thrill - they’re hard races to win.”Robb said the move from further out west at Nyngan to Dubbo had proved great for his career.“I made the move to Dubbo for more opportunities,” he said. “Covid stopped all the picnics and non-TAB meetings, which we used to follow around a lot when we were at Nyngan.“I’d been thinking about giving it away actually. It was getting a little bit hard and I was doing too many miles and if I wasn’t going to Dubbo every weekend or during the week I was going through it.“David Ringland is a very successful businessman and since I’ve started training he’s always had one or two horses with me and he’s helped me out a lot in Dubbo. He owns the house and stable complex that I train out of.“We’ve got 25 boxes here at the stables and 14 boxes out at the farm and they’re all full, so if we got offered a horse at the moment I’d nearly have to tie him up to a tree.“I think back now to when I was going to throw the towel in, when I was still out at Nyngan, and I’m really glad I didn’t. We’ve had a lot of fun and a lot of success, with hopefully plenty more to come, so I’m glad we kept going.“I’ve been around racehorses all my life. I think when you get the racing bug you can’t get rid of it.”

By COLIN HODGESDominant on the Picnic Racing circuit over recent seasons, Leandro Ribeiro was being compared to some of the top jockeys of the past after winning 5 of the 6 races yesterday, Saturday 4 March, at Tottenham.His quest to ride every winner on the program was thwarted when his mount was beaten only by a long neck in another race.Dubbo trainer Connie Greig who has successfully combined many times with Ribeiro, supplied three of his winners including Inzaghi in the 1400 metres Robinson Grain Tottenham Picnic Cup.Sons Of Bourke (Emily Waters, $2 favourite) led by three lengths approaching the home turn but was overhauled and beaten a half length by Inzaghi ($3.20) with Get Up Alby (Breanna Bourke, $4) finishing third.Leandro Ribeiro and Connie Greig gave notice of things to come when Yorker ($2.60 to $2 favourite) led throughout to beat Mr Pointer (Kate Petersen, $2.20) and Princess Factor (Emily Waters, $3) in the opening event, the 800 metres Michael Logan Memorial Class 3 Trophy Handicap.Connie Greig picked up a $500 bonus from sponsor Goodwin, Stevenson Insurance for a trainer with 3 winners on the day, when Pahang (Leandro Ribeiro, $5.50) after tracking the leaders won the 1200 metres Fiveways Legal Class 2 Trophy Handicap from the strong finishing Hammoon Sweetheart (Breanna Bourke, $2.20 fav.) and Manadria (Ricky Blewitt, $8).The group of owners from Condobolin and Trundle were celebrating when the Rodney Robb, Nyngan trained Sindagar (Leandro Ribeiro, $2 to $1.70 fav.) wore down stablemate Saint Olga (Breanna Bourke, $8) to score by a half length with Ready To Skate (Ricky Blewitt, $3) running on well for third in the 1000 metres.Sindagar's local connections collected the Tottenham Hotel Maiden Plate. IMAGE: Tottenham Picnic Race Club facebook.Coop’s ($1.70 fav.) from the Clint Lundholm stable at Dubbo, became the fifth winner for the Sydney based, Brazilian born Leandro Ribeiro when finishing best to win the 1400 metres Local Businesses Class B Handicap from Electric Daisy (Ashley Boyd, $3) and Chloebella Rose (Tamsin Gough, $10).Emily Waters prevented a clean sweep by Leandro Ribeiro when she led all the way on the Wayne Brown owned and Cassandra Stummer, Muswellbrook trained, Addictions which humped $72 kg to win the 1000 metres Carter, Lindsay,Weber-Hutcheon & Pearce Open Trophy Handicap.Billy Bent Ear (Leandro Ribeiro, $3.20) had a good run and challenged strongly in the straight but was beaten by a long neck, with Everyone (Breanna Bourke, $6) in third place.Tottenham racecourse was, as usual, presented in outstanding order and the meeting attracted a big crowd.Crowds flocked to the 2023 Tottenham Picnic Races. PHOTO: A BarrettNext upFeaturing at the Coonamble meeting on Sunday 12 March is the $150,000 Newhaven Park-Western Racing Association Country Championship Qualifier for the $500,000 Final at Royal Randwick in April.

Brewarrina could have been mistaken for Bondi Beach last Saturday with the sun, sand, and plenty of fun. The Brewarrina RSL hosted its very first Bush Volleyball competition. Twelve teams entered with the majority coming from Brewarrina, but teams also travelled from Bourke and Goodooga. The fast-paced action started at 10am with two games going at the same time to get ahead of the heat. It was a knockout style competition with the the ‘Golden Strikers’ and 'The Little Sooks’ spiking, blocking and ace-ing their way into the finals. It was a close game with the ‘Golden Strikers’ taking the win. They were presented with a medal and a not-too-shabby $2000 in prize money.  “We put the Volleyball competition on due to lack of events in the town, to have something different going on," said Stephen Harding the General Manager of the RSL Club. "Our staff thought of the idea.” Looking set to distract the opposition at the Brewarrina Bush Volleyball.“A lot went into the planning and preparation since this was a “first time” event. We reached out to the shire for the supply of the sand and gazebos. Everything else like the setup of the courts, decorations, advertising, rules, prizes, equipment, promo items, etc. we did ourselves.”   “This was our first attempt at anything like this at Bre RSL and just like everything you do for the first time there is always room for improvement so we have taken it all on board and will aim for a bigger and better Bush Volleyball comp next year," Mr Harding said. “We think the day went really well and we hope to repeat this event in the future. We were also happy to see that three teams from Bourke made the effort to come over to Bre to join this competition. "It was our first time doing it and we couldn’t have done it without the support of the town and our little helpers on the day. We would like to thank everyone for that.”