There were no racehorses and no jockeys, but the Mungindi Jockey Club would not be deterred from holding their annual race meet on Saturday, raising $4,360 towards Motor Neurone Australia. Cancelled by North West Hunter Racing on Monday due to a wet track, the committee held a ‘phantom’ race meet instead.
Race-goers were treated to a lively stock horse race featuring a motley crew of local ‘jockeys’, riding horses brought in from the back paddock. Dressed in a dinner suit, Craig Syke, likely the tallest jockey to race on the Mungindi track, showed height was no barrier, winning by a clear margin.
“It's only just the locals, people who want to have a bit of fun and have got a bit of bravado in them. They jump on and go for a sprint down that track. It's a bit of fun, that's what it's all about really,” president Rob Houston said.
The jockeys were weighed in and auctioned off, with half of the proceeds going to motor neurone. The cause was close to the club’s heart, with committee member Geoff Jakins suffering from the disease. Houston was blown away by the generosity shown.
Though not as large as their usual races, a healthy crowd attended, with enthusiastic Fashions on the Field entrants dressed to the nines. The ‘E’ Award, donated in memory of Elle Harrison, was given to local girl Meg Jakins. The children’s foot races and dash for cash were popular.
The committee are now gearing up for August 25, when they will host the Emirates Melbourne Cup for a day during its nationwide tour. For more information on the visit, contact Sam Heagney on 0437 470 841.
