The newest addition to the Narrabri hospitality scene – the Lodge Racing Club – marked its official debut with a celebration on The Everest race day.
Hall of fame rider and prominent racing identity Jimmy Cassidy was the guest-of-honour at the event staged in the transformed facility adjoining the Namoi Hotel.
Cassidy was the third jockey to win 100 Group 1 races. Cassidy shot to racing fame in the 1980s after taking out the Melbourne Cup on Kiwi in 1983. He would go on to win the cup again in 1997, then the Cox Plate in 1998, the Caulfield Cup in 1997 and 2000, and the Golden Slipper Stakes in 2001.
More than 60 people attended Saturday’s spring racing festivities.
Fittingly, Zac Purton (Jimmy Cassidy’s son-in-law) rode to victory in the coveted Randwick race and claimed The Everest on Ka Ying Rising.
A highlight of the day was an auction of memorabilia. One of Cassidy’s boots worn on Might and Power from the 1997 Melbourne Cup fetched $1100 towards Cassidy’s charity of choice. Jono McTaggart, of Muswellbrook, claimed the prized item.
Jono Druce won a framed image of Cassidy riding Might and Power in the 1997 Caulfield Cup as the lucky door prize.
Gilly Goddard entertained the enthused crowd in the last hour.
The Lodge Racing Club will again open its doors for racing during the spring season on Derby Day on November 1.
Five-time Melbourne Cup winner and prominent thoroughbred racehorse trainer Lee Freedman will feature as the guest-of-honour at the November 1 celebration. Freedman is known across the nation as a prolific winner of Australia’s major races spanning several decades.
Well-known comedian Murray Hartin will also add to the fun of the event.
The Lodge is now also open for functions, including Christmas functions. For inquiries, please contact Namoi Hotel manager Scott Connole.
