They’re off ‘n’ racing in the Mallee!

Even before it’s off the ground a new Mallee Racing Group in remote northwest Victoria is rekindling some old harness racing friendships and, unsurprisingly, stirring up more than a bit of banter.

The Ouyen Harness Racing Club launched the bid earlier this month to sign up at least 100 members of the Mallee Racing Group at $200 each to buy and race a “handy” pacer.

Third-generation participant and committee member Simon Jardine said the idea had taken off.

“It’s been fantastic. It’s creating a bit of a buzz and a talking point and of course it’s promoting the sport and bringing new people in,” Jardine said.

“Harness racing used to be massive in the Mallee, especially around Ouyen, so almost everyone has a connection to it of some sort. There’s been a bit of banter and a bit of cheek flying around, even before we’ve got the thing going, and that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

Jardine said the once-off low-cost racing group had been established on the principles of others in South Australia and in the gallops.

“It’s definitely not about making money, it’s about having fun and giving people something in common, as well as getting them back interested in the sport,” he said.

“It really came about from a lot of older people who come into my shop who’d been involved in the past and were telling me they’d love to get back into it one day.

“It’s a way for them to do that. No one’s expecting to make big money, just be part of something, have a bit of fun and get people paying attention to the sport again.”

For more than 50 years, Ouyen was a stronghold for “the trots”, with trainers like the Caldow, Jardine and Munro families at the forefront. It was a club driven by an army of volunteers who all did their bit in administration, maintaining the track and grounds, or preparing the legendary dining room “luncheons”.

In 2005 Ouyen was among seven clubs in regional Victoria to lose their race meetings, but campaigned doggedly against the decision, finally winning back its cup meeting in 2012. Racing at Blackburn Park is now twice a year – Ouyen Cup, which has become an unofficial “back to Ouyen” each March and heats of the Northern Region Championship in September.

Mallee blood runs thick, and Jardine said as well as interest from locals, there were people signing up who’d moved away from the region and wanted to keep a connection.

“You don’t have to live in the Mallee by any means – there’s an open invitation to anyone who’d like to be involved,” Jardine said.

“We’ve got ex Ouyen and Mallee people who now live at Horsham, Warrnambool, as far away as Torquay who are keen, and we’ve even got a few friends and family of local people who are jumping on board to show their support.”

Jardine said the plan was to keep the membership affordable and without ongoing costs.

“It’s $200 up front and there’s no more to pay – we’ll buy the horse and have it with a trainer on half stakes, so no one is dipping into their pockets,” he said.

“We haven’t got a horse in mind yet, but obviously the more members we have, the better horse we can buy. Once we finalise the numbers, we’ll approach a trainer, and because they’ll be partners in the horse, it will be in their best interests to get the best one they can for the group’s money.”

Jardine said the group had approached Bendigo trainer Alex Ashwood to prepare the horse, but a decision would be made once the group was finalised.

“We want someone who’s doing it professionally, but also someone who can easily place the horse where it’s competitive,” Jardine said.

“Alex also brings a team to Ouyen and Mildura whenever we’re racing here, so really a trainer like him is the best of both worlds. Hopefully by the time the horse is up and running, we will be able to have crowds back at the races and everyone can really enjoy the full experience.”

Anyone interested in being involved can contact Simon Jardine at Ouyen Tyre Centre, message Jo Morrish 0407 708987 or email malleeracinggroup@gmail.com

By Terry Gange for Harnesslink