Best Dressed Couple Leonie Whalan and Johnny Foscarini.
The morning mist still clung to the rolling hills around Gundagai, a damp, earthy scent hanging in the cool air, as the first keen racegoers began to arrive. It was Saturday, June 28, 2025, and the Gundagai-Adelong Race Club was set to host a thrilling day of country racing.
The track rated a Heavy (9), promised heavy running, and the air already buzzed with the murmur of predictions, the distant whinny of a restless horse, and the sharp, clean scent of freshly cut grass.
Among the early arrivals was a boisterous group of 25 gents from Sydney, their laughter echoing across the dew-kissed lawns. They were down for the races, celebrating an upcoming marriage with a multi-day escape.
As Gundagai and Adelong Racing Secretary Michael Heath later recounted, “They spent at least three nights in Gundagai and played golf as well, enjoying the amenities at the golf course. They chose Gundagai because they had experience with the Sydney racing scene, and they were looking to get more of a country feel.”
Their presence, a lively splash of urban energy, added an immediate buzz to the quiet country morning. By midday, the course was a vibrant tapestry of colour and sound. The aroma of sizzling sausages from the food stalls mingled with the sweet perfume of blooming roses.
Families picnicked on the lawns, their excited chatter rising and falling like a tide. Fashionistas, in their daring hats and sharp suits, showcased their finest race wear, adding a touch of glamour, while the rhythmic, almost hypnotic bookmakers’ calls echoed across the grounds. Everyone was ready for the thundering action to begin, especially with the added excitement of the Bush Battler trophies on offer – special recognition for the hard-working horses and their dedicated connections in the heart of country racing.
The day’s racing kicked off with a special tribute, a nod to good times and mateship.
“The first race was named after the groom-to-be,” Michael Heath explained, “Boomers Bucks Party Maiden Handicap, 1000m and was won by Sweet About Me trained by Danielle Seib and ridden by Pierre Boudvillain.”
The crowd cheered, a ripple of applause washing over the stands. The excitement truly began to build with Race 2, a Maiden Plate over 1180m, known as the Bush Battler Sprint. The tension was almost tangible as the gates crashed open, and the horses burst forth, a kaleidoscope of colours against the green track.
Michael Heath proudly stated, “The Bush Battler Sprint was taken out by a mare called Redneck Princess, trained by Ben Brisbourne from Wangaratta and ridden by young apprentice jockey Jack Baker.”
As the horses thundered down the straight, the ground vibrating underfoot, Redneck Princess surged ahead in the final strides, her powerful strides devouring the turf to claim a well-deserved victory. Close behind, 6. Witch Of November with Ella McGuirk aboard, and 4. Chairman’s Choice (NZ), guided by Nick Heywood, battled fiercely for the minor placings, finishing second and third respectively.
Heath added, “Ben Brisbourne is a leading trainer from Victoria, and he often travels up the highway because of the quality of the Gundagai track and the good racing that is on offer.”
The afternoon progressed with more thrilling contests, each race punctuated by the roar of the crowd, a wave of collective hope and despair. Then came Race 4, the Tooheys Extra Dry Maiden Plate, a highly anticipated event. The air thickened with anticipation. The crowd roared as the field rounded the final bend, hoof-beats drumming a frantic rhythm. It was 10. The Other Straand, expertly ridden by Quayde Krogh for Joe Cleary, unleashed a powerful sprint eating up the metres to cross the finish line first. Flying Betty, with Teaghan Martin aboard, put in a commendable effort for second, narrowly ahead of Mangoplah, ridden by John Kissick, who secured third.
As the sun began its slow descent, casting long, golden shadows across the track, the feature races continued to captivate. Race 5, a Class 1 Handicap over 1000m, provided another nail-biting contest. In a tight finish that had everyone on the edge of their seats, 3. Dilution, ridden by Tilly McCarroll for trainer D J McCarthy, showed impressive stamina to claim the win. 8. Wannabeapoodle, with Shaun Guymer in the saddle, ran a strong race to secure second, while 10. Gijima Gal finished third.
Another true highlight of the day was the Bush Battlers Cup. Michael Heath confirmed the winner with palpable excitement: “The winner of the Bush Battlers Cup was Geostorm ridden by Shaun Guymer and trained by Greg Stephens from Canberra, and had his fourth start at the track and secured his second win. Geostorm fought off the favourite Sundrop in a close photo, winning by a short half-head.”
The cheers for the battler rang out, a heartfelt appreciation for the grit and determination shown. As the last race concluded and the final cheers faded into the gentle hum of conversations, a contented buzz filled the air.
“The guests that turned up enjoyed the day with good country racing,” Michael Heath remarked, a smile in his voice. “We would have liked to have more people there, but we were happy with the crowd. The meeting was in opposition to the Gundagai Tigers playing footy in Temora and other sporting events on Saturday, but we were realistic about the outcome.”
He highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “It was good to grandstand and get the national eyeballs on the Gundagai Adelong Racing Club. It was the only country meeting in NSW on the day.”
Beyond the thundering hooves and the thrill of the win, the true spirit of the Gundagai community shone through.
Heath shared an incredible detail that speaks volumes: “A group of blokes out of the goodness of their hearts come down after each race meeting and put the divots back into the track. I can’t believe they do it. It’s just mind-boggling, but it’s what the community does in this town for their racing.”
This dedicated group, affectionately known as the Pothole Gang, was rightfully recognised at a small function on Saturday, as a gesture of immense gratitude for their services for the racing year of 2025. The Race Club Secretary said, “The Club is extremely grateful for their ongoing support and the fantastic community spirit they show in helping to look after the track,” Heath concluded, his voice tinged with pride.
Pockets were lighter for some, and heavier for others, but as the sun dipped below the hills, painting the sky in fiery hues, everyone agreed it had been a fantastic day of racing at Gundagai.
The magnificent horses, the skilled jockeys, the dedicated trainers, and the picturesque setting had all played their part in creating a truly memorable Saturday. The Bush Battler trophies, awarded throughout the day, added an extra layer of prestige and heartfelt recognition for the dedication shown by all involved in the grassroots of country racing.
Looking ahead, Heath noted, “We are all looking forward to our August-September meetings as we lead into the 2025 Snake Gully Cup in November,” promising more thrilling days at this beloved country track.
-Tully Potts
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