A perfect track, strong nominations and a full fashions on the field program will be highlights of the $72,000 ProTen T.C. Lee Memorial meeting at Narrandera on Saturday.
With a sunny 19 degree day forecast, gates will open at 11am with children’s amusements, the Lions Train, face painting and all gate proceeds to local charities, Can Assist, Lions and Kurrajong.
Race day manager Michael Bailey has tipped the six race program expanding to seven with 133 nominations received on Tuesday.
“We have one race with 38 nominations and we have to wait and see if that race will be split,” he said.
The meeting will have full TAB facilities and Sky Channel on course with the first race due to start at 12.30pm.
“The main race, the TC Lee Memorial Cup, is over 1400m and will be race five on the program.
“If we go to seven races, the prize money will rise to $84,000.”
Mr Bailey said one marquee had been booked and the function centre would be close to capacity.
“The gate takings on the day will be split between the local charities, Can Assist, Lions and Kurrajong.”
Mr Bailey said the track was rated as a soft five following recent rain.
“The conditions will be the best track we have had across the three meetings,” he said. “There were no complaints from the trainers – horses have been tuned up on the Narrandera track enabling them to run on the heavier tracks.
“Quite of a number of horses which raced on our Cup Day have gone on to win or placed in races across NSW.
“We are going to have a look at next season across the board at race distances and possibly extra meetings.
“We want to see a good turn-out of locals to support the Tommy Lee Memorial day – he was a legend in Narrandera – and the charities.
“The racing is going well, we are putting the good horses and jockeys on the track so hopefully people will come.”
Mr Bailey said work would be done on the track during the off season to bring it to the next level.
Club president Tony Paterson attended a racecourse manager’s conference at Moruya this week.
“At the moment the track is a soft five and I imagine by race day it will be a good four,” Mr Paterson said. “It will be perfect for horses chasing a spring campaign. We expect our usual support from trainers locally and outside the district.”
Mr Paterson said punters and visitors may enjoy the bar facilities, bookmakers ring, kiosk and a two-course menu in the dining room while the club would celebrate 140 years of racing at Narrandera.
There are tables of 10 on the front lawn and they can be booked through functions manager Lee Sweeney on 0484 270 556.
A courtesy bus will run to and from the course on the day.
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