Equestrian Archives - Forbes Phoenix

Local Owners Celebrate Coradgery Cup Win

June 12, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Those who attended the 2025 Picnic Races on Saturday 7 June were thrilled to see local trainer Sharon Jeffries win the Parkes Services Club Coradgery Cup with Way To Devine who was ridden by Cowra Jockey Matthew Cahill.

Colin Hodges reported on the Parkes Coradgery Cup meeting “Critically injured in a race fall at Tomingley in 2019, jockey Michael Hackett has not ridden since but maintains an interest in racing as the part owner of Way To Divine. Hackett, who rode nearly 300 winners, is now a committee member on Parkes Jockey Club and shares ownership of Way To Divine with local trainer Sharon Jeffries and her husband former jockey Dale Jeffries and for the big crowd it was a popular win.

Settling near last in the 1,400 metres feature race, the strongly supported Way To Divine ($3.10 to $2.80 favourite) was sent forward from the 500 metres point by top jockey Mathew Cahill and down the straight wore down Geostorm (Clayton Gallagher, $3.50) to win by over 2 lengths with Loud (Kody Nestor, $8) over 4 lengths away in third place.”

Shout out to the Parkes Picnic Races 2025 Committee for organising such a great event: President Tim Keith, Vice Presidents Ann Olson and Ian Brown, Secretary Tricia Trim, Treasurer Robyn Hawke, and Executive Members Christine Somers, Stafford Orange, Mark Olson, Kelly Spedding, Kathryn Blackstock, Fiona Glasheen, Sommer Bishop, Elissa Amor, Gai Smith, Tiffany Steel and Ian Brown.

2024 Forbes Spring Races

October 10, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Spring is a great time to go racing and Forbes Jockey Club has a host of entertainment planned for this Saturday, 12th October at the TAB race meeting.

Local racing has certainly been a part of many conversations over the past week following the win by rank outsider Sneak Preview in the $150,000 Dubbo Gold Cup.

The veteran galloper trained at Dubbo by Peter Nestor and ridden by his nephew Kody Nestor, is part owned by Peter Maher and Matt Coady from Forbes.

Sneak Preview was backed by numerous supporters at odds of $100 and celebrations will likely continue on Saturday at Forbes Spring races.

Leading trainers from a wide area are bringing starters to Forbes and the action on the track will be backed up by other highlights including the Fashions In The Field offering big prizes for several categories.

There is entertainment planned for all the family and the Yabby races with an auction for the chance to have a starter will be a lot of fun.

Gates will open at 11.30am and music throughout the afternoon will add to a great day out at Forbes races.

Be Seen @ Forbes Pony Club

August 1, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Thank you to everyone who attended for an action packed day full of horses, friends and lots of smiles.

Thank you to the amazing judges who volunteered your time this, and your feedback on how lovely the riders were.

To all the members that volunteered over the weekend, cooking , setting up, canteen, judging, big THANK YOU!

CEO Announcement On HRNSW Rehoming

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is Peter Buckman CEO, Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW)

Dear Stakeholders,

I am pleased to announce a significant development that reflects our ongoing commitment to equine welfare and the preservation of our social license at Harness Racing New South Wales (HRNSW).

In close collaboration with the Harness Racing Industry Consultation Group (HRICG), we have successfully completed the integration of our re homing operations. The decision and subsequent integration enables HRNSW to directly oversee the re homing effort and ensure that we consistently uphold the highest standards of equine welfare. This strategic shift underscores HRNSW’s steadfast dedication to the wellbeing of our equine athletes and our responsibility to the industry and the broader community. We firmly believe that by taking direct control of the re homing process, we can provide our retired standardbred horses with the care and attention that is expected.

It is of the utmost importance that HRNSW maintain high standards in equine welfare while continuing to lead the industry in a responsible and forward-thinking manner. HRNSW remains committed to ensuring the welfare of all standardbred horses and we are confident that this strategic move will further strengthen our capacity to uphold these vital responsibilities and ensure the well-being of our equine partners.

Finally, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the previous Re homing Company members for their unwavering commitment in supporting the re homing of standardbred horses.

Should you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to reach out to our team.

Sincerely,

Pony Club

August 31, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The West Wyalong Pony Club invite all riders to attend the Phillip Judd Memorial Showjumping Day and the Zone 11 Combined Training Day. For more information please check go to https://pca.justgo.com/workbench/public/events.

Don’t Miss The Social Event Of The Year

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Who will win the coveted Coradgery Cup in 2023? Pictured is last years winner Neon Moon with jockey Tony Cavallo. Inset: Local band Foxxy Cleopatra will once again be entertaining the crowds this Saturday.

It is once again that time of year, and all the elements are coming together for the premier event of the Parkes social calendar. The Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Picnic Races will be held this Saturday 10th June. So, dust off your fascinators and race gear and be sure to get involved in this great local event.

Fashions on the Field is one of the highlights of the day offering an array of prizes and prestige to the glamourous colts and fillies. The Fashions on the Field categories this year will once again include: Elegant Lady, Stylish Man, Millinery and Best Dressed couple.

The spectator area is looking great and the track is in top notch condition for the day’s five-race program. The renovated grandstand and covered bookies rink complete the excellent facilities for punters and a relaxed environment offers something for everyone, making this venue one of the best in the Central West.

The June long weekend has long since become a ‘back to Parkes’ weekend, with many residents opening their homes to friends and relatives who return to Parkes to celebrate for the weekend.

The event attracts visitors from all over the state, as well as from interstate.

There will be food on offer from the Quota ladies, who are back in the saddle driving the canteen in the newly renovated grandstand space. There will also be full bar facilities on course.

Several commercial and private marquees will be providing food and alcohol, so gather your friends and join a group for an afternoon of fun and entertainment.

Much loved local band, Foxxy Cleopatra, has been invited to perform on the day to provide entertainment for all to enjoy.

Organise a group and head along for a great day out. Gates open at 11.30am and entry is $20 for adults, under 16 years are free. Get your tickets before the event from 123tix or at the gate on the day.

Get Ready To Picnic With Style

May 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The popular Fashions on the Field always attracts entries from far and wide. The winners from 2022 were (L-R) Baeden Wakefield (Stylish Man), Ashleigh Smith (Elegant Lady), Deb Parish (Millinery), Carmen and Ian Hatherly (Best Dressed Couple).

It is once again that time of year, and all the elements are coming together for the premier event of the Parkes social calendar. The Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Picnic Races will be held on Saturday 10th June. So, dust off your fascinators and race gear and be sure to get involved in this great local event.

The June long weekend has long since become a ‘back to Parkes’ weekend, with many residents opening their homes to friends and relatives who return to Parkes to celebrate for the weekend.

The event attracts visitors from all over the state, as well as from interstate.

There will be food on offer from the Quota ladies, who are back in the saddle driving the canteen in the newly renovated grandstand space. There will also be full bar facilities on course.

Several commercial and private marquees will be providing food and alcohol, so gather your friends and join a group for an afternoon of fun and entertainment.

Much loved local band, Foxxy Cleopatra, has been invited to perform on the day to provide entertainment for all to enjoy.

Organise your friends, family or co-workers and head along for a great day out. Gates open at 11.30am and entry is $20 for adults, under 16 years are free. Get your tickets early from123tix.

Upgrade To Judges Towers At The Parkes Racecourse

January 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

NSW Nationals Candidate for Orange Tony Mileto, NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway and Parkes Jockey Club Vice President Alex Proud at the announce-ment of $37,000 funding to upgrade the judges towers at the Parkes Racecourse.

Some fantastic, welcomed news for Parkes Jockey Club. NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway today announced over $37,000 has been awarded to the Parkes Jockey Club to upgrade and maintain the Judges Towers at the Parkes Racecourse.

Mr Farraway said the funding, which was secured under the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, would not only ensure the towers are up to safety standards but will also improve the race day experience for the community.

“The $37,460 awarded in this grant will ensure that the Parkes Jockey Club has the means to upgrade their facilities so that they are safe and modern.

“This funding will be a welcome boost for the club as they move forward after being impacted by the floods in November.”

Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said it was important that the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government continue to provide funding to support upgrades to show grounds and facilities in local towns.

“Crown reserves provide land for sport and recreation, homes for community organisations, open space for healthy lifestyles, and protect our environment including sensitive habitat for native plants and animals,” Mr Anderson said.

Forbes Residents Shine With Melbourne Cup

September 23, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Legendary race caller Greg Miles with Forbes jockey Cat Newcombe and local race caller Col Hodge with the 2022 Melbourne Cup in Forbes on Monday. Work on the cup starts well in advance and the finished trophy is delivered one year and one week out of the race.

There was a special sparkle in the Forbes Town Hall on Monday when plenty of residents got to hold 18 carats of gold in their hands.

“There is no other single item in Australia made from so much gold,” said Joe McGrath, Melbourne Cup Tour Manager.

The 1.65kg of gold for this year’s cup came from Evolution’s Cowal Mine about 100km from Forbes, which made the photo opportunity with the cup even more special for Forbes locals.

The Melbourne Cup Tour included Forbes as one of its 33 destinations this year, and after the event at the town hall, Jemalong Village residents had the Cup come to them specially.

“The Melbourne Cup represents so much starting in 1861 at the heart of the gold rush era, and going for 162 consecutive years,” said Joe.

Before residents lined up for their moment golden glory, legendary race caller and Melbourne Cup Ambassador Greg Miles shared the stage with local horse racing ‘celebrities’ Cat Newcombe and Col Hodges. Cat, who was a professional jockey for seven years, said it was a real privilege to see the Melbourne Cup in Forbes.

Local race caller Col Hodge said Greg was the best caller and after more than 50 year he was still learning from him.

Greg said his love of racing started in primary school when he used to listen to the races on the radio with his father every Saturday afternoon. That was when he decided to become a race caller, and in 1981 he called the Melbourne Cup at the age of 22. “I was still there 36 years later. It never felt like I was going to work.”

Greg’s enthusiasm for racing rubbed off as the air filled with excitement and bright smiles when students from Forbes Primary School lined up alongside older residents for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Shane Wode, who is known for doing Forbes Show announcements, has a great interest in the Melbourne Cup and made sure not to miss the opportunity to hold the cup.

Melbourne Cup Comes To Forbes

September 2, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

If you want your photo with Australia’s most famous trophy, make sure to be at the Forbes Town Hall on 19th September. (Photo: vrc.com.au)

An amazing opportunity awaits all horse racing enthusiasts in Forbes in just over two weeks’ time.

The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour is celebrating its 20th year of touring Australia and the world and it is coming to Forbes on 19th September!

The visit to Forbes is even more special as the gold for this year’s Melbourne Cup comes from Evolution’s Cowal Mine about 100km from Forbes.

Since the tour’s inception in 2003, the three-handled Cup has travelled over 760,000 kilometres, visiting more than 560 destinations, engaging with tens of thousands of people and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local fundraising initiatives.

The Forbes community is invited to attend the event in full Melbourne Cup finery if you wish for an opportunity to not only see and touch the trophy, but also have your photo taken with the Melbourne Cup.

There will also be some local industry celebrities talking about their experiences in their racing lives, including female jockey Cat Newcombe and the famous race caller Col Hodges.

The Making of the Melbourne Cup video will be screened and all attendees will receive a food voucher to purchase a free lunch from local food vans located in Harold Street.

It sure promises to be a bit of fun on a Monday morning. All you need to do is let the organisers know that you will be there for catering purposes. RSVP to Jolene Jones at Jolene.Jones@forbes.nsw.gov.au by Monday, 13th September.

This is an opportunity to wear your fascinator twice this year!

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