Forbes Jockey Club has won NSW country racing's Most Outstanding Achievement Award for the restoration of its historic grandstand.
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The honour was announced at the Four Seasons in Sydney at the gala NSW Country and Provincial Racing Awards on Friday night.
Nominations were open to all country race clubs, with the honour awarded to the club that delivered the single most outstanding achievement.
Club president John Rennick paid tribute to the hard working Forbes Jockey Club committee and thanked the Forbes Shire Council for its support.
The restoration was made possible by a $100,000 Heritage Near Me grant, with additional from the Country Racing Development Funds and Forbes Jockey Club.
The 110-year-old grandstand had been closed to the public for two years due to safety concerns before the campaign to restore it bore fruit.
It now stands strengthened and painted in the heritage colours - and was enjoyed by a large crowd at the 2018 Forbes Spring Races when the official reopening was conducted.
The canteen beneath the heritage grandstand proudly displays photos and memorabilia which highlight the historical value of the building as well as the history of racing at Forbes which spans 150 years.
There's no better time to check it all out than this Saturday, October 12, when the popular Spring Races meeting returns.
Gates open 11am and you can expect a great program of racing.
There is $3000 in cash and prizes to be won in Fashions on the Field - register at the Fashions on the Field tent and then be there at the appointed time for preliminary judging.
Categories are:
Tiny Tots (aged 3 to eight years) a fun category in the spirit of fashion at the races, preliminary judging at 2pm.
Junior (eight to 16 years) a fun category with an emphasis on trendy race wear, preliminary judging at 2.10pm
Cutting edge (16 years plus) for individual style and distinctiveness, preliminary judging 2.20pm
Most elegant lady (18 years plus) for exceptional style and elegance, preliminary judging at 2.35pm.
Best dressed gent (16 years plus) for gents with distinctive races style.
Admission is just $10 for adults and $5 for pensioners, with children under 12 years free.
Strictly no BYO alcohol, a bar and a canteen will be in operation.
The club thanks the day's major sponsors Independent Cement and Lime and Lachlan Readymix Concrete, and sponsors including Forbes Caravan and Cabin Park, Kitson Manufacturing Solutions, Peter Maher Shearing Services and Bryton Wool, and Walkers AGnVET Services.