{"id":234895,"date":"2019-05-05T16:45:42","date_gmt":"2019-05-05T06:45:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=234895"},"modified":"2020-07-20T13:10:37","modified_gmt":"2020-07-20T03:10:37","slug":"excitement-is-tracking-on-course","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2019\/05\/05\/excitement-is-tracking-on-course\/","title":{"rendered":"Excitement Is Tracking On Course"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Patrons can get close to the track action at Burrandowan (Photo: Ross Stanley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"Gunsynd's<\/a>May 5, 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

The final events on the South Burnett\u2019s April racing agenda at Nanango and Wondai summed up the degree of exhilaration generated by the Easter and Anzac Day action.<\/strong><\/p>\n

That pulse is certain to continue its strong beat at Burrandowan on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Despite humping four and half kilograms more than his conqueror Supervisor ($3.20) in the Wondai Diggers\u2019 Club Cup (BM 55,1465m), Clouds missed out by a mere nose.<\/p>\n

It is no exaggeration to say that the duo engaged in an enthralling duel up the straight.<\/p>\n

Winning rider Joshua King indicated post-race that, although the crowd\u2019s $2.50 favourite had not put his lip in front in the home stretch, he feared he might have nabbed his mount right on the line.<\/p>\n

Most horses carrying 64.5 kilograms would be expected to tire at the end of an uphill run.<\/p>\n

However the gallant grey, with apprentice Joshua Morrow keen to chalk up his first victory, tried extra hard in sight of the mirror.<\/p>\n

A spirited struggle brings out the best moments of the game, whether it is at Flemington, Broken Hill or Flinton.<\/p>\n

Seven of the ten contests at Nanango and Wondai had a winning margin of less than two lengths.<\/p>\n

Three were by a nose, and in the Xtreme 4×4 Sport Class B Handicap at Lee Park, the first four in were covered by neck.<\/p>\n

Country patrons are generally able to get very near to the buzzing climax of a race.<\/p>\n

Grandstands at the large city tracks are set further back.<\/p>\n

Yes, the major venues may have television coverage but the live spectacle is more compelling, in the same way the appreciation of the speed at which a delivery from fast bowler is more acute when the observer is actually at the cricket match.<\/p>\n

* * * <\/strong><\/h2>\n
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The Burrandowan Picnic Races are a place for all ages (Photo: Ross Stanley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Burrandowan Beckons<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This coming weekend\u2019s annual renewal at Burrandowan is set to continue the pattern of highly competitive racing and the involvement of racegoers of across the board.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Owners will chase purses that range from an above-average $8,500 up to the $10,000 mark for the KellCo Livestock Burrandowan Cup (BM 55, 1740m).<\/p>\n

There is also an attractive QTIS bonus Maiden Plate (1175m) on the schedule.<\/p>\n

To help defray expenses, the Burrandowan Picnic Race Club pays a travel rebate of $100 for each horse that does not earn prizemoney.<\/p>\n

The first port of call for intending participants is the club\u2019s comprehensive web-site (burrandowan.com.au) and Facebook page.<\/p>\n

These sources provide all the necessary information and a Frequently Asked Questions section about the time-honoured occasion.<\/p>\n

Topics include transport options, trackside camping, fashion contests, day and night entertainment, the morning clay target shoot and a map.<\/p>\n

Punters need to know that there is no TAB facility but there is a covered bookmakers ring.<\/p>\n

Burrandowan is roughly located on the intersection of a line drawn west of Kingaroy and one north from Dalby.<\/p>\n

The setting is reminiscent of John Williamson\u2019s hit song “Home Among the Gum Trees” – there are no ATMS or mobile phone reception.<\/p>\n

Many folk bring their own folding chairs and make a base a la a wagon train circle.<\/p>\n

Although there is no TAB facility, the covered bookmakers ring and the Skychannel television service caters for the punters.<\/p>\n

Chahpingah Hall, the cafe venue, is the collection point for pre-ordered Grazing Boxes and Platters.<\/p>\n

The racing environs are subject to the State wide ban on BYO alcohol.<\/p>\n

The Saturday evening scene with its pit fired BBQs and the camping zone are exempt because those spaces are outside the licensed area.<\/p>\n

Steak and bread rolls are sold in the infield – participants need to supply items such as utensils, plates, cutlery and any side dishes.<\/p>\n

More details are available by contacting Trish Christie on 0429-771-411 or by emailing her<\/b><\/a>.<\/p>\n

The racecourse number for race day only calls is (07) 4164-8141, and if you want to sound like an experienced hand, call the place \u201cBurrandown\u201d.<\/p>\n

* * * <\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Robert Faehr and Lil Ruby Rose after their Anzac Day success at Wondai (Photo: Ross Stanley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bits And Bridles<\/strong><\/h2>\n