The Lodge Racing Club celebrated Derby Day on Saturday, November 1, with a terrific crowd all dressed in their finest black and white attire ready to back a winner.
Owner of The Lodge, Robin Findley, spoke with The Courier about what a cracker of a day it was at The Lodge.
“The crowd was fantastic. Some folks came from Gunnedah too – overall a wonderful group of people,” Robin said.
“We had bush poet Murray Hartin, which was great – he brought some laughs.
“And, of course, having the great Lee Freedman there, everyone was enthralled to see him and speak to him. A gentleman who has trained five Melbourne Cup winners, it was a special moment. He told some great stories.”
Mr Hartin staged a great series of poems, some comedic and some more poignant. He also made an appearance at the Namoi Hotel and the Wilga Hotel while he was in Narrabri, where the support for his talent was strong.
“We had a really fun time with Murray because he came on the Friday, so we took him downstairs to the Namoi and let him do a couple of poems,” Mr Findley said.
“Then we took him over to the Wilga Hotel and it was the Murray Hartin fan club.
“And of course on the Saturday, he did his thing, which was perfect.”
One of the highlights of the night was the music.
“Brad Graham made a special appearance on the guitar. He sang us a few songs which some of us had never heard but enjoyed.”
Gilly Goddard performed a wonderful selection of songs for the crowd.
“There was lots of singing and dancing with Gilly Goddard. Lee Freedman even struck up a Beatles song.”
The Derby Day celebration was the first official event at the Lodge following the venue’s debut gathering on the Everest race day last month.
“A lot of people did well on the punt, a lot of favourites won,” Mr Findley said.
“I think everyone went away pretty happy. But most of all, everyone had a ball and that’s what it was all about.”
