“Word on how good the Bedgerabong Picnic Races are goes far and wide, this can be noted by the fact we have one party of around 20 coming from Sydney,” Bedgerabong Picnic Race Club Secretary, Angela Darcy, said yesterday.

The Bedgerabong Picnic Races will be held Saturday week, February 18, and after recent rains the track and surrounds have never looked better.

“Everything looks terrific after all the rain, we have been involved in a big mowing project. It has been a combined effort by the committee to make sure the track and surrounds will be presented at possibly the best ever,” Mrs Darcy said.

Despite threatening skies last year the Bedgerabong Picnic Races saw a slight increase in patronage from the previous year and with favourable conditions. Mrs Darcy feels Saturday week will be even better.

“Last year we had 16 bookmakers fielding on metropolitan and local races and the same is expected Saturday week.

“As usual the bookies will be undercover, and there will again be a public tent with seating and tables for race day patrons,” Mrs Darcy said.

This year six races will be conducted for $19,200 prizemoney plus bonuses.

While it is yet to be confirmed Mrs Darcy said there is a chance that this year’s meeting could follow the lines of a twilight meeting.

After several years of improvements at the Bedgerabong Showground facilities, Mrs Darcy said patrons will notice little changes from last year.

“The Uniting Church will be there again catering and caterer Robert Speed, who has proven to be extremely popular, will be there with his home made specialties and his ever popular fried rice cooked on the barbeque.

“A full bar will operate, and patrons are reminded that no alcohol or glass is to be brought onto the grounds.

“In response to patron requests, we have introduced new fashions on the field categories this year.

“The new categorise are for the kids with a boys and girls category and one for the men.

“The footraces will follow the last race, and DJ David Hodges will be back with his, ‘Lightning Bolts and Thunder Disco’, everything is ready to go,” Mrs Darcy said.

Patrons looking to book tent sites should contact Tom Simmonds now on 6857 2128 or 0458 572 127.

All other questions can be directed to Angela Darcy on 6857 1113.