THE Hughenden Jockey Club was back on track on Saturday when the club staged its first meeting in two years. The massive effort it took to get to this point was obviously appreciated when more than 300 people turned out for a great day of country racing.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The club had struggled to finance such upgrades as separate male and female change rooms for jockeys and rebuilding of stewards room, stables, and toilets. The upgrades were as a result of changes in Queensland Racing regulations.
Club president Sherilee Honnery said that, during the past 12 months, the committee had done a massive job in getting the facility up to the required standard.
“It was with amazing support from the Flinders Shire Council, community members and local businesses, we proved it could be done,” Ms Honnery said. That effort was obviously appreciated by country racing enthusiasts and the general Hughenden community who now have back a venue in which to socialise in these difficult times.
Fashions on the Field was eagerly contested and winners were Lady of the Meet Tamara Mitchell, Man of the Meet Shannon Walsh; Couple of the Meet, Shane Schafer and Shelley Woodham; 11 to 17 years, Abbey Mills and Joshua Coward; up to 11 years, Mia Maggs and Nate Carroll.
The club fundraised more than $35,000 and was successful in obtaining a grant of a further $35,000 from the Community Gambling Benefit Fund and $15,000 from the Flinders Shire Council community small grants program.
Well done Hughenden Jockey Committee.
There’s no doubt Hughenden locals will be looking forward to the next meeting on July 25.
