SCONE jockey Eloise Drews heads to Garah tomorrow to reunite with Thiem – impressive winner of the Boolooroo Cup at Moree picnics last month – in the 1400m AFF Warren and Ruth Hunter Memorial Talmoi Picnic Cup at round three of bush racing’s Golden Triangle.

Drews picked up the Boolooroo Cup ride on Thiem at the expense of Narromine jockey Ricky Blewitt, who busted a wrist in trackwork leading into the Moree meeting.

The gelding, trained at Beaudesert by Jimmy Downes, won easily at Moree under Drews, and has been freshened for tomorrow’s Talmoi Cup.

Downes trains Thiem for a huge group of Moree and district owners including his dad, Mark Downes, uncle Basil Downes, former Moree Picnic Race Club president Scott Carrigan and his son Angus, Andrew Pitman, John Carrigan, Joe Greer, Charlie Hickson, Tom Quinn, John Madden, Wylie Harris, John Shepherd and Sherri Magor.

Drews, who also rides Western Eagle and On Hold at Talmoi tomorrow, said the Talmoi Cup is a tough race.

“I’m very lucky Mr Downes has trusted me to jump back on Thiem,” Drews smiled.

“Thiem is a lovely, lovely horse and did everything right last start at Moree. He’s drawn perfectly in barrier three, which should again land me in a perfect spot just behind the leaders.

“It’s a tough race to try and win, but he’s in form this prep and I have absolutely no doubt he will run a very nice race.

“Thiem is owned by some extremely lovely locals and it will be the icing on the cake if he can execute a perfect run like last time and win the last cup of the Golden Triangle,” Drews said.

A beaming Eloise Drews unsaddles Thiem after winning the Boolooroo Cup at Moree picnics last month for Beaudesert trainer, Jimmy Downes.

Drews also jumps on Western Eagle for Gunnedah trainer Sue Bigg in the 800m IOR-Toowoomba Truck Spares HT Siddins Memorial Class 3 Handicap and topweight On Hold for Moree trainer Doug Fernando in the 1000m Black Truck and Ag-Orica Helen Boland Memorial Bracelet.

Western Eagle finished fifth at Mallawa two weeks ago and On Hold filled the same spot in a very strong BM-58 race at Moree Race Club’s TAB meeting on June 2.

“Western Eagle steps back to 800 metres, where he’s drawn yet another wide gate (6),” Drews said. “He’s got good gate speed, which we will need to use to our advantage to get him out and sit him positive.

“He gets in very light at the weights which should see him run a stellar race,” she said.

On Hold, ideally drawn in barrier four, has been asked to lump 71kg in the Talmoi Bracelet.

“Unfortunately for On Hold, she again carries a very hefty weight but luckily she’s a big mare and puts in 110 per cent each time,” Drews said.

“She’s drawn well, which should see her sit just behind the leaders, and has every chance – hopefully the weight doesn’t get to her,” Drews said.

Tomorrow’s Talmoi meeting, with online tickets available HERE, closes the 2026 edition of bush racing’s Golden Triangle after hugely successful meetings at Moree and Mallawa in recent weeks.

The Garah meeting features a catered lunch and fashions-on-the-field as well as live entertainment and a big screen to watch local, provincial and metropolitan races.

Return buses will operate from Moree, departing the Royal Hotel at midday and returning at 6pm and 9pm.

The Talmoi committee encourages patrons to bring along picnic hampers, while Moree Lions Club will serve up traditional steak sandwiches, sausage sandwiches and cold drinks throughout the day.

Bush Racing’s Golden Triangle

Talmoi: Saturday, June 20.

Online tickets for Talmoi: Talmoi Picnic Races TIX

Updates: Talmoi Facebook Page