Parkes to come alive

20 April 2022

WHEN Parkes Harness Racing Club hosts a mid-week Wednesday night TAB meeting a big crowd is normally not expected.

But this week the central west town will come alive when thousands of fans descend on the area for Australia’s biggest reunion to celebrate the life of Elvis Presley.

Fans, impersonators, and acclaimed tribute artists swell the local population to three times its size, creating a buzz around the town like no other.

One huge benefactor from the festival is the Parkes Harness Racing Club which tonight has the honour of opening the festivities with a strong 10-race program.

And there is no doubt that with the exciting off-track entertainment planned, the Parkes Showground Paceway will be at near-capacity, as is the case each year.

Local trainer-driver and the club’s track curator Brett Hutchings is looking forward to the big night, not only ensuring that all is in readiness for patrons and competing horses but also for the five drives he will take throughout the evening.

“It can get hectic for me on race nights, but I do get a lot of help from the people around me, particularly my family who can gear up the horses or water the track, so we always seem to get through,” said Hutchings.

“Elvis night is always a great night.

“The atmosphere is electric, and it is exciting to drive in front of a massive crowd.”

While Hutchings admits it will be a hard night to get a winner, he does feel his drives all have each-way claims.

“I have not had much luck with the barrier draws, but I guess as the saying goes, it is only a bad draw if things do not go your way,” he said.

“I give Jessiejames Shannon a top chance in Race 7, despite him drawing gate 10.

“He is flying at the present time and impressed me with his win at Tamworth last time out.

“He is a family-owned horse, and they all get a thrill when he goes around here, so I will be doing my best to get him home.

“Smiling Shandy was a cheap buy for her connections.

“She has done an excellent job for them so far and I have a lot of time for this mare.

“She has drawn wide in an even race and will also be thereabouts.”