RIDING instructions for the Opal Miners’ Hall of Fame Lightning Ridge Cup will be a drawn-out process for Jane Clement, with the western districts trainer saddling five of the seven runners in the 1200m bush sprint today.

Clement, now based at Mendooran after relocating from Armidale in November, starts 2024 Moree Cup winner Macleay, topweight today with 62kg, as well as Prince of Sepang, last-start winner Toulon Factor, The Great Armada and Extreme Merger in the $14,000 bush feature.

Claiming apprentice Gabrielle Johnston will bring Macleay’s weight back to 59kg, with Prince of Sepang to carry 57.5kg after apprentice Jacob Stiff’s 2kg claim is utilised.

Senior riders are booked for Clement’s remaining cup runners – Billy Cray will jump on Toulon Factor; Liam Blanch rides The Great Armada; and Georgina McDonnell partners Extreme Merger.

Clement also starts Johnny Boz in the 900m JMW Property Services Clas 1 Handicap; Sidenay, Adviser and Brave Enough in the 1000m Gingie Gallop BM-58 Handicap; and Oakfield Echidna, St Roy and Acotango in the 1200m Central West Machinery BM-45 Handicap.

Mendooran trainer Jane Clement will saddle up five of the seven runners in today’s Opal Miners’ Hall of Fame Lightning Ridge Cup.

“Don’t ask me which one can win the cup, because I don’t know,” Clement laughed.

“Macleay is a big horse and will handle the weight. The 1200m might be just a little bit short for him, but we’ve freshened him up and he’s going really well.

“Toulon Factor went over 1500m last start so he’s coming back in distance as well,” she said.

“Extreme Merger’s run the other day was really good. He should go well, too, and the barrier (7) shouldn’t matter on the Lightning Ridge track – there’s only a dog leg to worry about.

“Prince of Sepang is a little speedster and had his first-up run at Moree the other day. It was only over 900m, but I was really happy with the run as well,” Clement said.

The annual races are part of the huge Lightning Ridge Easter Festival, featuring fireworks, markets, a treasure hunt, local culture and a celebration of opal mining.

Before today’s meeting, between 10am and midday, roving entertainment through the Ridge includes street races, face-painting and egg-and-spoon races.

At 11.15am, The Big Dig will be held, with more than $15,000 worth of opals to be won. One hour later, The Little Dig, with $4000 worth of tech prizes for the kids, will be held.

The iconic Outback Opal Hunters also return, offering visitors a unique opportunity to meet the legends of the Ridge and capture a memorable photo or two.

The popular drawcard celebrates Lightning Ridge’s opal heritage and outback character, and delivers an unmatched experience.

Lightning Ridge Races

When: Saturday, April 4

Where: Lightning Ridge racecourse

Time: From midday

Tickets: Lightning Ridge Races TIX