Hugh Bowman's first appearance at Coonamble Jockey Club in more than 20 years will add some star power to Sunday's Country Championships heat.
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Bowman will ride early favourite Sir Winkle for Clint Lundholm in the $150,000 Western Racing Association Qualifier in yet another return to his home region.
Originally from Dunedoo, Bowman recently rode in the Central Districts heat in Mudgee and told Racing NSW he's excited to be part of another bush feature.
"It's good to be going back up there," Bowman said.
"It's great to have the championships qualifier in Coonamble. It's a wonderful concept.
"I have ridden at Coonamble - only once, or maybe twice - but it was many moons ago. I haven't been there since I've been in Sydney and I came to Sydney in 1999."
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The last time Bowman rode at Coonamble he was an apprentice but he heads there on Sunday as arguably the world's most famous jockey, thanks largely to his incredible exploits with champion mare Winx.
While Winx is a horse every race fan knows, Bowman will team up with one of the biggest unknowns to many in Sunday's heat.
Bowman will ride Lundholm's Kiwi gelding which is yet to start a race in the western area.
Since making the move to the Dubbo trainer's stables midway through last year, the the four-year-old has only contested two trials.
He showed plenty of promise in the most recent one though, finishing first at Mudgee.
Possessing a fine first-up record - he's raced twice for a win and a second - Sir Winkle opened a $3.40 favourite for the qualifier.
The only other horses which opened at single-figure odds were the Kody Nestor-trained duo Fast Talking ($4) and Sneak Preview ($4.60).
The final field of 14 for the heat was confirmed on Thursday with Lundholm's So Good To Me the one emergency.
Miss Lon, trained by Rodney Robb, had been nominated for the heat but will now race at Broken Hill on Saturday.
The heat headlines a massive eight-race meeting at Coonamble, the richest the club has ever hosted.
"These are the type of occasions that get the community up and about and they've had a bit of rain recently, so obviously the mood's going to be a bit better than it's been for a while," Bowman said.
"Everyone will be keen to join in on a bit of social activity and I'm glad I can be a part of it.
"I'm well aware of the interest it creates by my being there and I just thought it would be a really nice thing to do for the town and the people, given what everyone's been through.
"My wife, Christine, and our kids are coming as well so it's going to be a nice family day."
Bowman had five rides booked for the meeting, which starts at 12.55pm on Sunday.
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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.
