Dubbo celebrates 25th Red Ochre Classic

The Dubbo Harness Racing Club’s iconic feature race — the Red Ochre Fillies and Mares Classic – will celebrate 25 year’s this Friday night with a strong edition of the Listed Classic.

Horses from all over the state will head to the central west circuit for the $30,600 feature, that was first held in 2000 when won by the Doc Wilson-trained and driven Candyrama.

Each year since the feature’s inception, the DHRC has run a stallion tender to assist in the increase in prizemoney.

Driving more than four hours (one way) for the feature is Central Coast horseman Michael Formosa with his mare Limousine Cheeky, with his other filly Ultimate Diva the first emergency.

Limousine Cheeky is a last-start Tamworth winner and has drawn ideally in barrier two.

Another horseman making a long journey for the feature, all the way from the Hawkesbury, is trainer Troy Williams.

Experiencing his best season on record with 57 wins to his credit, Williams has his in-form mare Charlies Ace drawn ideally in gate three.

Both Williams and Formosa also have starters in the other feature races on the program – the Peter Lew Memorial and Quambys Stayers Cup.

Formosa has Ultimate Diva in the Peter Lew Memorial and last week’s TAB Regional Championship Consolation winner Vincentius Maximus in the Quambys Stayers Cup.

Meanwhile, Williams has Blisses Best in the Peter Lew Memorial and recent stable acquisition Our Uncle Jim in the Quambys Stayers Cup.

The first race is scheduled for 6:24pm – click here for full fields and form.