FOUR years after they first came together in the name of a fallen steward, participants from the central west racing area will again do battle away from the racetrack.
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This Saturday the Central and Western Racing Associations will combine to host a charity bowls championship, pitting jockeys, stewards and trainers against each other on the greens of Dubbo City Bowling Club.
The concept was first raised back in 2011 when local jockeys took on trainers in the James Perry Memorial Cricket Match, honouring a former steward in the region who died in the Queensland floods just weeks earlier.
The money raised on that day went to Perry’s family, and from there a fund was established to help local participants when they are doing things tough.
No event was held in 2012 but in 2013 a rugby league match was played at Geurie, and last year was Oz-Tag at Wongarbon.
“Basically the money raised from these events go in to a fund and when someone from the industry is doing it a bit tough we chip in and help them out,” central west chief steward Todd Smith said.
“In recent times we have given a trainer $1000 when he got injured and was out of action for a bit.
“There’s four people - myself, Rodney Robb, Anna Nestor and Greg Ryan - and if there is someone needing a bit of help we come together and decide how we can help.”
Forbes-based picnic rider Stuart Brown will be a major beneficiary from Saturday’s bowls day as he undergoes treatment for cancer.
Brown has been one of the more successful jockeys on the picnic circuit for a long time, and his wife is currently expecting a child.
“Stuart is doing things a bit tough so in a way we’re dedicating the day to him. Some of what we raise will go to him and his family, and some will go into the fund,” Smith said.
“Hopefully the day will be supported by trainers, jockeys, officials, owners - basically everyone from around our region.
“From all reports there’s a few people coming up from the Wagga region to take part as well, which is great because the other purpose of the day is to bring everyone together for a day away from the track.
“We don’t get too many opportunities to do it because there’s races most weekends.”
The lawn bowls will be played under a triples format, with teams drawn randomly at 11.30am and play to start at 12pm.
The event costs $30, which includes a meal, while non-players can also take part in the barbecue dinner at the end of the day at a cost of $10.
