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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nyngan Tigers facing another long season and long travel are intent on becoming a force again in the elite Peter McDonald Cup group 10 11 League competition.Player numbers always tough but in 2024 they competed strongly against the top teams. Under 18s are below strength but a call out to bolster the lineup is working.This Sunday’s opener against the spectacular and sometimes inconsistent Wellington Cowboys will be tough. Both sides can turn on the razzle dazzle.The Cowboys zoomed into the finals but ill-discipline cost them at crucial times, its not lost on the Tigers who also need to hold off Wellington’s fast running style. Former Dubbo star Corey Cox added to the sparkle in 2024 with his big turn of foot and captain James Tuitahi believes his side is ready.‘’We are ready and can be win more than we lose. We are in a winning frame of mind.‘’After the Cowboys, the Tigers have back-to-back home games Lithgow Workies then powerful Dubbo CYMS who finished fast last year.Nyngan will be hoping Lithgow Workies, the other border team, are softened up by Orange Hawks before they trek west in week 2 while reigning champions Mudgee Dragons are heading to Orange Cyms and have the favourites tag again this season.

The Castlereagh Rugby League season begins Saturday with last seasons champions showing good form in the Senior Knockout at Warren on Saturday 14 April. Just as they did last year the Coolah outfit were imposing as they swept all before them to claim the Castlereagh League Knockout shield, scoring 56 points in their three matches and conceding just six.Prior to their 20-6 win over the Dunedoo Swans in the final the Kangaroos downed the Baradine Magpies 22-0 in the opening game before winning 14-0 against their 2024 grand final opponent, the Cobar Roosters.Despite going down 20-6 in the last game the Swans would have been well-pleased with their effort, after not being able to field a first-grade side last year.Dunedoo accounted for Coonabarabran 18-6 in their first match then got over the top of the Coonamble Bears 16-12 in the Semi-finals.The Coonabarabran Unicorns took out the consolation final, defeating near neighbours and archrivals, the Baradine Magpies 22-4.There was great support for host club Warren Bulldogs in what is their comeback season to the Castlereagh League competition after a lengthy absence.The Bulldogs were narrowly beaten 12-6 in the first game of the day and then drew 12-12 with Coonabarabran in their second.The annual knockout is the perfect tune-up for the senior Rugby League season.After a break for the Easter holidays next weekend the Castlereagh League competition will get underway on Saturday 26 April with Round One.Coolah are at home to Narromine, Coonabaraban take on Dunedoo, Coonamble face Gulgong, Warren also take on Cobar. 

Cobar Golf and Bowling Club is setting the stage for its biggest ever event the inaugural Australian Seniors Sand Green Championship to be played from April 26-28. The professional tournament will be played over 54-holes in a Pro-Am format, giving amateurs the opportunity to play with a senior pro over the first two days.More than 70 professional entries have been received and amongst those set to contest the tournament include Adam Henwood, the winner of the 2023 NSW Senior Open and numerous events on the PGA Legends Tour, 2021 Australian PGA Senior champion Guy Wall and Brad Burns, another former NSW Senior Open champion and the winner of multiple PGA Legends Tour Order of Merit titles. Henwood is in brilliant form capturing victory in his latest outing.While the event is billed as a Senior tournament, all amateur players are welcome with no age or gender restrictions. The amateurs will play 36 holes on 26 and 27 April for over $2,500 in prizes, while the professionals contesting the event will play for a $50,000 total purse. The event is made possible by major sponsor Mac Copper Limited CSA Mine, the Cobar Bowling and Golf Club.Included in the weekend for all competitors a two-course dinner on the Saturday night, along with a clinic, a welcome BBQ and Bowls event, followed by a Calcutta on the Friday.A presentation for the amateurs will be conducted after play on Sunday. Monday will see the professionals play their third and final round.For those who haven’t been to Cobar or experienced sand greens this is the chance to play a unique event. Amateur entries are encouraged and still open for what will be a special weekend of sand green golf, playing alongside a collection of Australia’s leading senior professionals. Contact Cobar Bowling and Golf Club for entry information.

For the first time in 20 years, the Gilgandra Panthers will not be making an appearance in the Castlereagh League this season. Panthers President Shane Byrne said player numbers at training were not up to scratch this season.  "We put the call out for players for months and months but only got six. We can't run a side with six people."  With only a quarter of the minimum number of players, there was no way out but to cancel the first and reserve grade team this year.  "It was a very difficult decision but it just had to be made," Mr Byrne said.  Many of the players from last year only wanted to play in a reserve grade Mr Byrne said but to preserve the integrity of the game, the decision was made to not field a first or reserve grade team.  "First grade competition is what you're meant to play. That's the way it's been for 130 years and that's the way it should remain.  "You don’t strive to be a reserve grade team, you strive to be in the first grade."  In 2005, when Byrne first started playing for the Panthers, the club had to drop out of the Castlereagh League team as well.  However, in subsequent years they managed to recuperate and went on to the grand finals for seven straight years from 2015 to 2022, winning straight premierships from 2016 to 2018.  "The following year, we formed again. We didn't win a game but everyone stuck together and about three years later, we were making grand finals," Mr Byrne said. The Pink Panthers on the other hand are off to a good start this season. Many players are still in their mid-teens but have already won their first game.  "They're pretty happy with that. They’re going pretty good," Mr Byrne said.  The Panthers are looking forward to rebuilding their numbers and coming back bigger and stronger for the 2026 season. 

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)