WITH Covid having cruelled the last two October weekend carnivals in Coonamble, all is set for a swift return in 2022.
There are just 3 1/2 weeks until the start of the four-day racing extravaganza, which is proudly supported by a range of sponsors, headlined by Ladbrokes, Garrard’s Horse & Hound and bookmaker Robert Munn.
1. Prize money
This year’s carnival boasts record prices with a range of artistic events on offer to owners and trainers for hounds of all classes and distances. This is of course led by the $12,000 Ladbrokes Gold Maiden ($305 million).
SEE THE CARNIVAL RACE SCHEDULE HERE
2. Bookmakers
Australia’s strongest greyhound ring is still intact with seven fearless batsmen in the field during the four-day carnival. And with Epsom Day at Randwick on Saturday, the outside punters will be well and truly looked after too.
3. Track
A coach that was tested there recently said it was in better than A+ condition. I’m not sure how you improve to such a high rating, but it gives future trainers an insight into how well the surface is leading up to the most important time of the year.
4. Ladbrokes Red Dog Comp
The betting giant will pay $200 for every dog that wins during the carnival with one lucky patron from the weekend taking home the draw. How good!
Ladbrokes’ support for the carnival doesn’t stop there. Stay tuned!
5. Friday night program
GRNSW will pay the TAB prize money for the Friday night card making the lure of the carnival even more appealing. TAB prize money for a country rated win against your name sounds like a pretty sweet deal.
6. Carnival hound and trainer
Bookmaker Robert Munn has pledged major support for the carnival including sponsoring the Greyhound and Trainer of the carnival. The carnival hound connections will take home a straw on Zipping Garth while the trainer will take home Orson Allen.
7. Calcutta
It’s always a big Sunday morning at Coonamble Bowling Club for Kolkata and this year will be no different with a huge pool and lots of activities lined up. Some high-end simosh will also be available for auction. Kolkata are a huge advantage in the NRL grand final scheduled for that night.
8. Social side
Coonamble is known for its social side (yes, that’s a good way to explain it) with the opportunity for people to reconnect over a beer or ten. It’s grassroots racing at its purest and while there’s a serious side to the track with races to be won, the chance to let your hair down for a few days can’t be understated either. It is survival of the fittest in every sense of the word.
9. Beer prices and bragging rights
Much cheaper than where you are traveling from. Let’s leave it at that! And as for bragging rights, they’re relatively easy to come by as the weekend gets deeper and the lips get looser.
10. Deadline for nominations
The most important thing to remember or your long weekend will be over before it begins! Be sure to get your names in first!
Friday September 30: Entries close at 9am on Thursday 22 September.
Saturday October 1: Entries close at 9am on Friday 23 September.
Monday October 3: Entries close at 9am on Sunday 2 October.
