Cloud cover spoilt the chance to view the blood moon eclipse on Saturday morning by residents in the central and western areas however that afternoon there was another “eclipse” providing a good sight at the Coonabarabran race meeting.
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A three year old gelding named Rare Eclipse was a winner for both omen punters and Tamworth trainer Luke Morgan.
However, by the end of the meeting it was the drought which had the biggest impact on the day.
Coming off an impressive debut fourth at Dubbo, Rare Eclipse with Jake Hull in the saddle at Coonabarabran, defied a drift in the betting from $2.10 to $4.20 to lead throughout when a half neck winner over Fleur De Force (Belinda Hodder, $5) with Miss Gai (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $17) a half length away third in the Catholic Women’s Auxiliary Maiden Plate (1200m).
Foxy Queen, a cast off from Sydney stables, won the opening event, the Coonabarabran Matrons Maiden Handicap (900m) as a pronounced favourite.
Now trained at Quirindi by Geoff O’Brien, Foxy Queen (Greg Ryan, $1.75) shared the lead to the hometurn then moved away to score by a length and a half from Fourth Protocol (Jodi Worley, $17) with over four lengths to third placed Night Talker (Courtney Van Der Werf, $71).
The meeting at Coonabarabran was cancelled after two races due to the state of the track at the 600 metres.
Coonabarabran has been particularly hard hit by the drought with severe water restrictions in place for the past year.
Winner of major awards over recent seasons the Coonabarabran Club will hope for improving weather conditions as preparations are made for the Cup meeting in October.
