Rue is ready to jump into Flood Relief 23

The Mates 4 Harness Flood Relief 23’ race meeting at Eugowra on Anzac Day will be the highlight of next week’s harness racing calendar.

The day is planned to lift the spirits of flood victims in the area and raise much-needed funds for those affected.

Tuesday afternoon’s program promises to be a huge day for patrons with the feature races being the $20,000 Forbes Diggers Cup and a two-race Invitation Drivers Series.

The series has attracted 10 of New South Wales’ most talented drivers, who have thrown their support behind the day to ensure that harness racing fans attending can witness the best the sport has to offer while enjoying the vast social activities that are planned.

The announcement of the 10 participating reinsmen and women travelling to Eugowra from Sydney, Newcastle and Bathurst has been met with plenty of enthusiasm.

The list is headed up by star Sydney drivers Cameron Hart, Jack Callaghan, Will Rixon and Robbie Morris while Hunter Valley’s leading lights Grace Panella and Blake Hughes will also make the trip to the central west village.

They will be joined by four Western District drivers, who will be keen to ensure the series is retained locally with the advantage of knowing every inch of the 800-metre Eugowra circuit.

Canola Cup winners Amanda Turnbull and Bernie Hewitt and in-form reinsman Nathan Turnbull are always hard to beat on the local tracks, however it is Mat Rue who will yearn to win the series most having been raised at neighboring Canowindra, a town that was also affected by last year’s devastating flood event.

Rue gained his early driving experience around the Eugowra, Forbes and Cowra tracks and many of his close friends and clients were caught up in the devastation.

“This is a great initiative by all the people who have organised this special day and I cannot wait to get there on Tuesday,” said Rue. 

“I cut my teeth as a horseman around these tracks and driving for people that were so badly affected by these floods.

“I am certain this will give them all a real boost.”

Participating drivers will each wear specially-made racing silks that have been sponsored by businesses around the state.

The day is jam-packed with entertainment and all funds raised will go towards assisting local flood victims.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW