Cowra ready to shine

10 September 2022

The Cowra Harness Racing Club has worked hard to promote its Carnival of Cups through trying wintery conditions in the past.

But following negotiations with Harness Racing NSW, the hard working Club led by enthusiastic harness racing devotee Daryl Davis has moved its carnival from June to a more suitable timeslot in September, confident that it can be better promoted.

The move by Cowra also sits perfectly as a lead in to the now famous Eugowra Canola Cup Carnival, given that the two towns are just 65 kilometres apart.

There have been many champions produced from the Cowra area in the past including the mighty Ribands who was narrowly beaten by Captain Sandy in the 1953 Inter Dominion Final in Perth after winning each of his three qualifying heats.

Cowra introduced night trotting in 1954 and enjoyed a stella era, recognised as one of the jewels in the state’s harness racing fabric as both a prominent pacing venue and a breeding nursery.

They now hold two quality race meetings each year and this afternoon will conduct the first of them over the next two weekends and as always have attracted capacity fields for the eight-race program.

This season, Cowra also has the distinction of conducting the first Carnival of Cups, something President Davis is rightfully proud of.

“It is great that Cowra Club is kicking off the Carnival of Cups this year,” said Davis.

“Having a date change from June to now is pleasing and we are relishing it.

“Our Club has worked hard to get local backing for the two meetings and have some exciting days planned.”

“I am extremely happy with the response from owners and trainers for today’s meeting. On paper it appears that we have strong and competitive fields. I just hope the weather gods are kind to us.”

Davis pointed out that the feature races during the Carnival are the Tritech Cup Cowra Cup and the Cowra Bowling Club Ladyship Pace, each carrying $13,500 in stakes while the support races next week carry $10,00 or more.

“We have also planned plenty of entertainment off the track for patrons which we are very excited about,” Davis said.

The Steve Turnbull-trained filly Lexie Girl drawn gate three in race six appears to be the best bet on the program following a recent second placing in the Bankstown Oaks.