{"id":249420,"date":"2019-12-02T22:53:51","date_gmt":"2019-12-02T12:53:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=249420"},"modified":"2020-08-04T18:24:45","modified_gmt":"2020-08-04T08:24:45","slug":"silly-season-hits-nanango-races","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2019\/12\/02\/silly-season-hits-nanango-races\/","title":{"rendered":"Silly Season Hits Nanango Races"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It was all about Christmas at the Nanango Races on Sunday – the official Fashions of the Field theme – for Karina Paine and Shaque Dugdell, from Kingaroy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

December 2, 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nanango’s special Christmas race meeting on Sunday had everything … spills, thrills and even a spot of cooling rain between races.<\/p>\n

The novel Sunday format has proven popular for the past three years and punters turned out in force again, including a large contingent from St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Nanango who were farewelling long-serving principal Matthew Vine.<\/p>\n

But although everyone was enjoying the festive fun, it can’t be said the meeting didn’t have a touch of the silly season about it.<\/p>\n

The day started with a puzzle over a missing bus and continued with four late scratchings due to other transport difficulties.<\/p>\n

Then there was a deadheat in Race 1, followed by a barrier breakout in Race 2 which led to a riderless horse greeting the judge.<\/p>\n

A bizarre mishap delayed the start of Race 3 when keys were accidentally locked inside an official’s vehicle; unfortunately, the vehicle was parked on the track at the time.<\/p>\n

Then a heavy but short cloudburst sent patrons scurrying for shelter at the start of Race 4.<\/p>\n

But everyone was smiling at the end of Race 5, when Spur With Ease, carrying the number one saddlecloth, raced home in first place – meaning a $1000 donation to the QCWA’s drought appeal from Racing Queensland, matched dollar-for-dollar by\u00a0Tabcorp, Ladbrokes, Sportsbet and BetEasy.<\/p>\n

Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell was on hand to share the good news and congratulate the winning jockey,\u00a0Minonette Kennedy.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Across Queensland, more than $50,000 was raised during the “1 for the Bush” campaign for drought relief with 10 number one saddlecloth winners at dogs, trots and thoroughbred races on Saturday and Sunday.<\/p>\n

The Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club also donated $1000 and the Kilcoy Race Club and Kilcoy Diggers each gave $800, meaning the QCWA appeal will receive a $52,600 boost from the weekend.<\/p>\n

Nanango’s next race meeting at Lee Park will be held on February 15.<\/p>\n