IT’S a cup etched with the names of bush champions the likes of Mulgate, Passing Trade and Track Flash – and is arguably the most sought after piece of silverware in racing circles at this time of year.
Every year, picnic racing syndicates and ownership groups are formed with one race and one trophy in mind – the B&W Rural Boolooroo Cup.
The time-honoured race dates back to 1924, when Diplomation won the event at the first running of the Moree picnic races.
The 1924 meeting, held over two days, Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26, was postponed by one day because of wet weather. At the time, The North West Champion reported “a large number of people are arriving from Sydney, Tamworth, Armidale, Barraba, Gunnedah, Curlewis, Collarenebri, Walgett, Narrabri and adjacent districts as well as from Stanthorpe and St George in Queensland”.
John Yamala ‘JY’ Black, owner of Wilga and Wathagar Stations, was first club president and stayed in the role for the next 14 years, when racing across the country was suspended because of World War 2.
The Boolooroo Cup, and all trophies associated with Moree picnic races, are proudly displayed in the storefront window of Sparkes Jewellers on Heber Street – a tradition that started quite a few years ago.
“We started supplying and updating the trophies about 30 years ago,” Stephen Sparke said.
This year’s offering, worth thousands of dollars, is varied and inspiring.
Stephen and Robyn Sparke, with the B&W Rural Boolooroo Cup and this year’s magnificent trophies. The cup and trophies are displayed in the window of Sparkes Jewellers on Heber Street.
While the winner’s name is etched on the perpetual B&W Rural Boolooroo Cup, to-keep trophies include a Whitehill Tray Wooden gift-box and Whitehill Coloured Glass Horse.
The 950m RDO Equipment Moree Picnic Bracelet features a 9ct yellow gold Bolt Ring Clasp Fresh Water Pearl Bracelet and winning connections of the 950m Nutrien Ag Solutions Maiden Plate will receive an Adina Arabic Dial Wall Clock. The Graincorp Class 3 Handicap offers three Whitehall Wide Bead Frames and the North West Events Class B features a Bohemia Crystal Sheffield Waisted Vase.
Winning connections of the 1600m Kenway and Clark Case IH Class 2 Handicap will receive a Schott Whiskey Carafe and Tumblers.
Bus service available
To ensure patrons get to the track safely, and on time, buses will run from the Albert Motel, Royal Hotel and Moree Golf Club from 11am to 2pm at half-hour intervals.
Return buses will begin at 5pm and finish at 11.30pm.
Private transfers are subject to availability. Contact Melissa O’Dempsey on 0427 542167 to discuss options for groups of six or more from private residences within town limits.
Picnic lunch
Patrons are encouraged to take along a picnic lunch to share with friends and family under the main marquee at the president’s luncheon.
The long-standing custom of bringing plates to share dates back to 1924, when Moree held its first picnic race meeting.
Everyone is invited to join president Alex Madden under the marquee and partake in this longstanding tradition.
Moree Lions Club barbecue will also be fired up, with delicious steak and sausage sandwiches available for purchase.
Out on the track
The May 24 Moree picnic races feature a six-race card and $42,000 prize money.
Signature races include the 1400m Boolooroo Cup, won last year by Peter Sinclair’s Peak Road, and the 950m Moree Bracelet, won by Ridge Wilson’s Hiraishin.
Major sponsors for round one of bush racing’s Golden Triangle include Nutrien Ag, RDO Equipment, GrainCorp, B&W Rural, Kenway and Clark Case IH and North West Events.
Near-record nominations were received on Monday for the meeting, including 23 for the Boolooroo Cup.
To see nominations, go to: Moree picnic races nominations.
Weights will be announced Tuesday, with final fields declared Thursday.
Tickets
Tickets are only available online from TryBooking at: https://www.trybooking.com/DADHV.
Ticket prices are $40 per person for general race-day admission, with a race-book Included, or
$140 per person for race-day admission as well as the dinner-dancer afterwards.
Moree Picnic Races
When: Saturday, May 24
Where: Moree racecourse
Time: From around midday ‘til late
After-party entertainment: Route 33
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