Inverell set to host pop-up meeting

Inverell will race on Monday. Image: Jeff Hanson/NSW Country and Picnic Racing.

Meetings have been postponed due to heavy rain and storms battering NSW’s Northern Rivers and Mid-North Coast in recent weeks. 

Only last week has Racing NSW lost meetings at Lismore on Monday, Coffs Harbour on Tuesday, Murwillumbah and Kempsey on Thursday, and Ballina on Saturday. 

In response, Racing NSW added two more races to the program at Grafton on Tuesday while putting on a seven-race program at Inverell on Monday.

Inverell isn’t used to racing at this time of year, but president Peter Tanner said his hard-working track staff were able to have the famous North West racecourse ready to go on Monday for the sake of participants. 

“It was a bit out of the blue, and they wanted to have it Saturday, but the road between Grafton and Inverell was closed because there is a bike race on,” Tanner told NSW Country and Picnic Racing. 

“I said Monday would be great, so we’re racing; it’s not as immaculate as it is around Christmas time, but with two days’ notice, it will be right for a good race meeting.”

Inverell didn’t miss the rain, but the track, which many trainers believe is underutilised, was in good enough order to respond and be suitable for race day.  

“We had a bit of rain at the end of last week, but it’s really good, and there is good coverage on the track,” Tanner said.  

“It’s just good to see it getting some use, except just trackwork. The way we see it, there is not enough racing around this area for those lower-class horses. 

“Plus, non-TAB meetings have been called off, and it still costs the same to feed those horses, so we’re just happy to host a meeting and give those horses a chance to race.

“We’ve had good support from those trainers up north and on the coast, plus there is a heap from the hunter, so it should be a good meeting.”

The club will be hosting free entry, and a bar and canteen will be open, along with a sausage sizzle for the trainers.”

Jeff Hanson’s tips

Race 1: 4 Looker Closer $2.40

Race 2: 4 Tavros $7.50

Race 3: 10 Suit Day $7.50 

Race 4: 7 Bring Me To Life $2.50 

Race 5: 9 My One $6.50 (Best value) 

Race 6: 9 Global Sensation $3.70 

Race 7: 6 Albanjo $2.60 (Best bet)

Quaddie: 5, 6, 7, 13 – 4, 5, 9, 11 – 1, 4, 9 – 1, 6, 11. $144 for 100% 

Gary Kliese’s tips (Sky Racing)

Race 1: 7, 4, 10, 5 – Freya’s Moment $6

Race 2: 8, 1, 9. 12 – Electric Eve $3.20

Race 3:  8, 3, 15, 12 – Quarter Red $4.80

Race 4: 7, 2, 1, 9 – Bring Me To Life $2.50

Race 5: 5, 8, 11, 9 – Cool Fizz $3.40

Race 6: 9, 4, 1, 11 – Global Sensation $3.70 (best bet) 

Race 7: 6, 10, 5, 8 – Albanjo $2.60 (best bet)

Rod Fuller’s tips (Sky Racing)

Race 1: 4, 9, 5, 10 – Look Closer $2.40

Race 2: 1, 8, 9, 12 – Bobby Is King $2.60

Race 3: 15, 3, 8,6 – Key Legend $2

Race 4: 7, 5, 2, 1 – Bring Me To Life $2.50

Race 5: 5, 8, 4, 13 – Cool Fizz $3.40

Race 6: 9, 6, 4, 7 – Global Sensation $3.70 (best bet)

Race 7: 6, 11, 10, 5 – Albanjo $2.60