Last year’s Country Championships Qualifier at Dubbo Turf Club was one of the most memorable races in the entire series as Stoneyrise from the back of Bourke stunned them all to book a ticket to the $500,000 final at Royal Randwick.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It’s Championships time again on Sunday and another fantastic story and two contenders for this year’s final are certain to emerge.
There’s much more to the day than the main event as well, with the showcase status of the meeting meaning prizemoney is boosted to at least $30,000 per race.
Here’s all you need to know about the day.
GATES OPEN
Gates open at 12pm at Dubbo Turf Club with the first of nine races set to jump at 12.20pm.
The Country Championships Qualifier is race eight at 4.35pm while the ninth and final event is at 5.20pm.
THE MAIN EVENT
There’s no doubt the bulk of the interest is around the $150,000 qualifier. The first two past the post will earn passage through to the final at Randwick, a race worth half a million dollars.
Want to know more about that race? We’ve got you covered.
We’ve got something from every trainer on every horse. Not sure who to back? Then check this out.
The hometown trainer will saddle up some of the favourites for Sunday’s main event and despite some nerves is feeling positive about his chances.
Coonabarabran trainer couldn’t have asked for much more for Sea Lady. She’s certain to head into Sunday as one of the major players.
While there’s some trainers going with confidence and gunning for a top two spot, the same can’t be said for Merv Rumble. His leading hope hasn’t made the race due to injury but he’s still going to be there on Sunday.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Darren Hyde, as his lone hope in the event was ruled out earlier in the week.
There’s no doubt it’s going to be one of the biggest meets of the year at the track.
He was the star of the show last year, but back of Bourke-based trainer James Hatch hasn’t had a whole lot of luck in recent times.
OFF THE TRACK
It’s the Milestone Hotel Ladies’ Day meeting and there’s certain to be something for everyone with marquees, bar and food facilities, live music and much more set to be trackside.
In big news, it will also see the start of a new fashions on the field campaign.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
