Barcaldine Racing Club hosted a thrilling five-race meeting on Saturday, 3 May, as part of the town’s annual Tree of Knowledge Festival.
The racecourse drew a strong crowd for an afternoon of competitive outback racing, as local trainers made their presence felt.
Toni Schofield celebrated a successful day with a win and a second-place finish, while Patrick O’Toole had a consistent showing, picking up one win and four third-place finishes.
The day opened with the Capricorn Plumbing and Building Supplies Maiden Plate (1000m), where Bop ‘N’ Dan ($1.80) lived up to favouritism to take out first place. Mint Street ($8) ran on gamely to secure second, while Full Of Euro ($2.20) rounded out the placings in third.
In race two, the GBA Engineers Benchmark 50 Handicap (1000m), it was Palazzo Spirit ($5) who sprinted clear late to claim victory, while Chief Mondo ($5) ran a solid race for second, with Potestas ($6) finishing a close third.
The third race, the Thank You Barcaldine Race Club Volunteers Benchmark 60 Handicap (1200m), saw an upset as Valiant Joan ($12) surged home to take the win, with Bittersweet Pluck ($15) and Influential Jack ($2.50) following in second and third place respectively.
The fourth race, the Michael Horman Transport QTIS Benchmark 50 Handicap (1300m), produced one of the standout performances of the afternoon.
Bello Bello ($2) came from behind with a powerful run to secure victory, holding off race favourite Shoalwater Bay ($1.40) and Spill The Diamonds ($3).
The feature race of the day, the Pat Ogden Memorial Tree of Knowledge Cup / Outback Racing Showcase Heat (1600m), proved a fitting finale.
Lady Townson ($6) proved too strong for Thangool trainer Damien Rideout and apprentice jockey Julie Busuttin.
The mare defeated Here He Looms ($2.40) by a length, with Nassau County ($3.60) finishing third.
The Central West racing action shifts to Longreach this weekend, with the annual Mother’s Day race meeting on Sunday, 11 May.
