Junee’s harness racing traditions continue to shine

It’s said that country clubs are the backbone of all racing codes and in harness racing there is no finer example than that of the New South Wales Riverina club Junee.

Commitment dedication and hard work are the trademarks of those who contribute to the running of racing from the officials to the track attendants and all of it by voluntary effort.

The club has a rich history of producing star pacers and in the glory days of the early 70s featured illustrious performers such as locally trained Welcome Advice, Hondo Grattan, Paleface Adios, Just Too Good, Adios Victor and the Victorian Reichman who upstaged the above taking out the 1974 Invitation.

Fast forward to today and although there are many who still reminisce on the past, the focus is clearly on the future or more precisely the ability to survive in a different socio economic environment that emphasises a wider range of entertainment options for society than what was previously the case.

President Trevor Allamby who is held that position for the last twenty years has also experienced the highlights of the sport being the owner of Triple inter Dominion winner and Miracle Mile victor Our Sir Vancelot.

As President Trevor is conscious of the need to adapt to changing circumstances.

“We need to make sure that we are getting value for any advertising that we undertake.” “And we need to look at any initiatives that can we draw upon to get people to the track.”

“We had a quick shear here at the track on our Cup night and that was massive. It was behind the grandstand but had the effect of bringing people to the course.”

“But we have a problem racing here on Tuesday nights because it doesn’t attract a crowd.”

The club has a number of prominent identities including Vice president Bruce Harpley who has had a good season with his team. Other prominent members include trainers Trevor White, Trevor Rutland and veteran Jim Harris who still hold a Vice presidential position. In addition Joanne Judd runs the sale of harness equipment on the track and other regional centres in the Riverina.

Junee’s influence continues to extend beyond its region as Joanne’s son Chris Judd is making himself a name as a successful trainer in Sydney while his cousin Cameron Hart who also originates from Junee is New South Wales leading driver.

The club still hold a number of advantages. Junee’s central location ensures that the club has healthy nominations and draws competitive fields for its racing.

Last Tuesday night was the final of five meetings for the year and the Club staged eight races.

“We could have had more races but we didn’t have enough stables” added Allamby.

Nonetheless on the final night there was spirited racing at the meeting in perfect weather conditions.

Driving honours were taken out by Grenfell based Michael Day Junior who won a double with Nixsun (For a Reason) and Maywins La Nina (Bull Mattgregor).

Nixson who is part owned by Peter Hansell took out the opening race. After showing speed to take the lead, Day elected to take a sit when favourite Mardibringsaparty  began like a bullet from the second row and weaved her way to the front soon after the start.

However Mardibringsaparty started to overrace as the event progressed and driver Bruce Harpley let her go on leaving the back straight with what appeared to be a winning break.

The steady uphill home straight took its toll on Mardibringsaparty and Nixsun finished too strongly to score by a neck with Happy Too Ya eight metres away third.

Day said after the event “He won his maiden then last start he finished second at Canberra so he was right for tonight.” “We’ll keep his competitive.”

Day’s double come way of Maywins La Nina who led all the way in her race the Wagga Pace. Day’s driving tactics where he was allowed to run his mare in the first two quarters of 31.7 and 33.2 seconds was the main factor in the mare fighting back to hold off Ultimate Trouble and Village Area.

“She’s a nice quiet mare and raced well tonight.” The mare is part owned by Todd and Eliza Day.

Junee wants to guarantee its future by attempting to attract younger people to take up interest in harness racing which seems to be a major issue for all of the country clubs.

Quite rightly those involved in the club concur that the sport needs to widen its base to draw a newer crowd to see harness racing even if it means using other attractions or novelties as a way.

Betting turnover continues to be a challenge for all country clubs including the racing code so drawing upon  other potential revenues sources may be needed.

The club is now awaiting like other New South Wales clubs its allocation of dates for next year and will have plenty of time to work out how to make a success of not just the Cup but also that of the supplementary meetings.

However if that spirit of hard work devotion and responsibility can be passed on to newcomers then Junee will continue to be a major club in the Riverina. It may never reach the esteemed and grand days of the past but it can still be a worthy venue that provides keen competitive racing and great entertainment for patrons.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink