But after an amazing effort by committee and local trainers with buckets/towels on Friday afternoon, it came as a great shock for Chief Steward Todd Smith on Saturday morning that all the surface water was gone from the track.

Although rated as a heavy 10 at 1pm start, the sun was shining and the breeze ensured it dried out even further.

It was a great day of racing and an amazing event for the community to come together.

The Bourchier Macquarie Valley Fuels Dandy Cup was won by Bowies Babe ($9.50) trained out of Tamworth by Melissa Bennett.

It was apprentice Jockey Clayton Gallagher’s day, with the Dandy Cup win as well as another first, second and third from all his rides.

Greg O’Mally presented the  trophy to the winning connections and jockey on behalf of Mark and Cathy Bourchier.

It is an emotional time for anyone close to the family and the community of Narromine as Greg expressed everyone’s thoughts are with Cathy in her recovery.

The Bourchiers own Long Lasting, who has been out of form and paid $81 for a win. Long Lasting lead all the way and was beaten at the post by Bowies Babe. Long Lasting was the winner of 2016 Dandy Cup and is trained by local Kylie Kennedy.

Great day for local trainers and father/ daughter Wayne Collison and Kylie Kennedy were loving the home ground advantage.  

Race two , the Dubbo City Toyota Maiden Handicap (1100 metres) saw Kylie get a close second with Special Strike ($26), who started as an emergency. Special Strike lead the whole way and was pipped at the finish by the favourite George Wrights, Got Nothin.  

Fantastic win for Wayne Collison with Dragon Bells ($18) in Race three, Golden West Holden Maiden Plate (1300 metres) who just sat nicely behind the leaders all the way and steamed home.

It was the first win of the day for jockey Clayton Gallagher.

Fashions on the Field were hotly contested with Ms Dandy Cup awarded to local favourite Kim Handsaker.

Elegant Lady went to Bek McKay from Warren who is heavily involved in the racing industry, as Warren secretary and Western Racing Association Secretary.

It was a very community focused day, with a painting from local artist Susie Rae, auctioned and all proceeds going Narromine Cancer Support Group.

Narromine Turf Club commissioned Susie to paint the equine masterpiece.

Shane Dalton, publican from Trangie, did a wonderful job as auctioneer and President of Narromine Cancer Support Group, Judy Barlow was humbled in her speech of thanks and talked about the wonderful things they are able to do for our community with such generous donations.

DATES TO REMEMBER

December 18 (Monday) Alan Lloyd Memorial Cup and save the date for next year’s Dandy Cup on October 20.