HARNESS RACING
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Dubbo Harness Racing Club's very successful Carnival of Cups meeting in May was rewarded at the weekend when it took out Best Level 1 meeting at the Harness Racing NSW awards night in Sydney.
The event was the culmination of a massive 2013/14 season for industry participants across the state, and also saw the Eugowra club take home the best Level 2 Carnival of Cups meeting, while Bathurst's Amanda, Steve and Mitch Turnbull also won awards.
One prize the eastern city couldn't claim though was the Carnival of Cups prize, with the Dubbo club beating Bathurst and Wagga to claim the title.
"It's a real feather in the cap for our club, and for the city of Dubbo really," former Dubbo Harness Racing Club president Jeff Costello said.
"I knew we were in the running with Bathurst and Wagga but had no idea we had actually won the award until the night."
This year's meeting featured the first running of the Red Ochre Mares Classic as a Group 3 event, as well as an on-course calcutta.
The feature event was won by the Shane Tritton-trained and Lauren Panella-driven former Kiwi mare Pas Ultimate Delight.
It also coincided with the final day of the Dubbo Show, providing a brilliant backdrop and atmosphere to the event.
"We had so much going on that day that it was hard to fit it all in, but we got there in the end," Costello said.
"I know Dale Walker from Harness Racing NSW was impressed that we ran the calcutta on-course instead of on a Friday or Saturday night prior because it added to the atmosphere of the day.
"The great thing about winning the award is that is a reward for the work done by the committee. We have a great committee and volunteers that make things run very smoothly, and Marge Bradley has done a great job as the club's secretary-manager to keep things ticking along on a day-to-day basis."
Meanwhile, Len Edwards has taken over from Costello as president of the club after its recent annual general meeting.
Edwards has been a long-time supporter of harness racing, and Costello said he is confident the club will continue to thrive.
"Len is very passionate about the sport and he has the time to put into, which in the end I didn't," Costello said.
"The club is in a strong financial position and I'm sure with the recognition we received on the weekend it will continue to thrive."