Miss Ezmae took out the Group 2 NSW GBOTA Sydney Cup final on Saturday night on a fresh evening at Wentworth Park to continue the scintillating form that has seen her win three on the bounce for trainer Raymond Smith.

If winning is a habit then the Smith kennel knows all about it.

Miss Ezmae’s time of 41.70 from the hard four box was the fastest of her three over 720m carry at Wenty, her first time breaking 42” and she still has room for improvement despite getting faster with each run according to Smith.

Zipping Niseko took the early lead and it was evident Miss Ezmae wouldn’t have it all her own way as they took the first. Sitting behind the likes of fancy Super Estrella, Miss Ezmae didn’t take long to force the issue, making her move midway through the race to sit nicely behind the $8.50 chance who had led from the outset.

With the line in sight, the charger made her move along a skinny rail line few would have dared to try but the mercurial sprinter was unperturbed and bolted past the line nearly four lengths clear of the chasing pack.

Old foe Super Estrella nabbed second while Zipping Niseko, the $8.50 shot, grabbed third. The win takes Miss Ezmae’s record to 13 wins from 20 starts with four minors in a glittering beginning to her racing career which will now see the dog and kennel-mates Midnight Flash and Jungle Deuce, head to The Meadows this weekend.

Forbes Sporting Shooters aren’t wasting anytime getting back into it after NSW was let out of lockdown nearly three weeks ago with a huge program leading into Christmas.

The next S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre and other rimfire rifles (.22 magnum or.17HMR) will be held this Sunday 31st October, starting at 10am. The next Wednesday shoot will be held on Wednesday 3rd November starting at 2pm. The Centre-fire rifle shoots start at 2pm after the Rim-fire shoots on Sunday. Sunday’s shoot will be for the Rim-fire and Centre-fire shield.

To take part, shooters are required to fill out a P650 form at the club. Junior shooters must be 12 years or over.

For all information on .22 calibre rimfire shooting contact: Wayne Facey 0414524059, Norm Brook 0458664541, Ben Smith 0427524151 or David Coleman 0427401263 AH.

The next shoot for the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting clays will be their monthly shoot on Sunday 14th November, this will be a 100 target field shoot starting at 10am. If wet a five-stand shoot will be held.

For all information on clay target shooting contact: Tony Brat-ton (02) 68523349, Doug Davis (02) 68523249 or Phil Picker (02) 68516494. Local Range rules apply to the Forbes SSAA range. Like us on Facebook @Forbes Sporting Shooters.

The sport and recreation sector has scored a $25-million funding boost as part of the COVID 19 Economic Recovery Strategy, to support the return of community sport as restrictions ease. The NSW Government’s Rebuild Package will provide financial support, assistance and participation opportunities for those hardest hit by COVID.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the package would help the sector bounce back. “The COVID lockdown has had a major impact on everyone’s lives, including the more than 30,000 employees and 415,000 volunteers across more than 10,000 sporting clubs and associations throughout the State,” Mr Perrottet said.

Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said COV-ID restrictions meant millions of sports lovers in NSW had been unable to take part in their community competitions.

The SRRCRP includes:
• Up to $12.5 million for grants of up to$1,000 to eligible clubs and associations;
• Up to $7.8 million to support sporting organisations and peak bodies;
• $3.1 million to support participation initiatives focused on areas most affected by restrictions, including south-western Syd-ney and regional NSW;
• Up to $1 million for grants to support marketing and promotional activities for out-door and active recreation providers;
• $600,000 to support regional talent pathways in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

Full details www.sport.nsw.gov.au/recoverypackage

25metre Fox target shoot 16/10/21 were – John Dean, 280/280; Terry Knight, 280/280; Brian Neilsen, 279/280; Clancy Bolam, 279/280; Rebecca Knight, 279/280; Wayne Facey, 279/280. 50metre Blow-fly target shoot were – Brian Neilsen, 247/250; Phil Picker, 246/250; Clancy Bolam, 245/250; Terry Knight, 245/250. The next S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre shoot will be held on Sunday 31st October, starting at 10am.The Centre-fire rifle shoots start at 2pm after the Rim-fire shoots on Sunday.

Swampies Celebrate Award Winners

A big congratulations to AFL rookies Jack-son and Zain on their awards for the 2021 AFL season. Zain was awarded the Most Consistent player and Jackson was award-ed Runner Up Best & Fairest. Well deserved! The Forbes Swampies Junior AFL merged with the Orange Tigers Australian Rules Football Club to form the #Swamp-Tigers in 2021. It is a wonderful result for Zain, Jackson and the Forbes Junior AFL. Everyone is super proud! Thanks to the Or-ange Tigers AFL Club for helping the FJAFL out in 2021!

Lion’s Roar Nabs 3rd In Craven Plate

Lion’s Roar, who is part owned by former Red Bend student Greg Lamont, grabbed third in the G3 Craven Plate at Randwick over 2000m on Saturday. Think It Over, the 6-year-old son of superstar So You Think, powered home to win. Both may meet again before the Spring is out with a chance Lion’s Roar will meet it better at the weights. Bring it on!

Forbes Fins Welcome Nicole Mee

On the eve of FINS starting their 2021-2022 season the club’s newest high-performance coach is Nicole Mee. Nicole will work along-side Felicity Worland and David Hodder, working with the Stingers and Sharks A squad. Nicole has competed at State, National and International competitions. Welcome to the Forbes Fins Team!

Cold Conditions At Croquet

We had 29 players on Saturday 16th October. There were 3 winners of 3 games – Elvy Quirk, John Cole and Harley Stewart. Big winners 14-9 Elvy Quirk and John Cole, Lorraine Todd and John Allegri. Close games Anne Stewart and Harley Stewart 14 Bill Scott and Neville Spry 13.

By Pegging Out

The NSW Government has welcomed the return of crowds of up to 5,000 people to regional racecourses and tracks as the state strengthens its commitment to economic recovery.

Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation and Minister responsible for Racing Kevin Anderson said racing in NSW has led the way when it comes to operating through COVID-19 and now fans of all three codes can once again make their way trackside for live entertainment.

“The three racing codes should be commended for the way they operated during the COVID pandemic and it is fantastic to see crowds now returning to the track,” Mr Anderson said.

“Racing is the backbone of many regional communities and supported crucial jobs right throughout the pandemic. For many towns, the annual race day is so much more than just a punt with mates, it’s a day out for the family and a chance to see old friends,” he said.

“Race meets also bring very welcome economic stimulus to town and I know many communities are looking forward to welcoming tourist dollars in their tills as soon as it is safe to do so.”

The NSW Government invested record amounts of funding to support the racing industry over the past 12 months, including $67 million to upgrade regional racetracks