The selfless spirit of the Mudgee community will be on full display on January 7, with the Mudgee Race Club hosting a fundraising race meet.
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Much of the nation has been brushed with devastating fires, including areas somewhat close to home, and Mudgee Race Club secretary Colleen Walker says Tuesday will be a day for those dedicating their lives to keep others safe.
"The firefighters have just been selfless through the whole thing so we're going to have gate donations, we won't be charging at the gate but we will be asking for donations that will all go to our local fire services," she said.
"There also won't be a charge for books but again, we will ask for donations.
The decision was made because it's important for everyone to support one another and do what they can, it's just such desperate times.
- Mudgee Race Club secretary, Colleen Walker
Not only will the race meet be a fundraiser but also a cry of survival for the racing industry with many meets constantly being cancelled due to dry conditions or fires.
"We're racing in place of Orange because, unfortunately, they are ripped by the drought and don't have water to maintain the track so we have taken their meeting," Walker said.
Hosting this just allows participants in the racing industry to race. The participants have been losing race meetings, we're just trying to help the industry too.
"The boys have been working tirelessly to keep it [race track] in order, we use bore water to maintain it so it's a surface that can be safely raced on.
"It is all on short notice, but no one knew these fires would keep going and be so destructive so we thought we can race, but try and help out also."
With acceptances locked and loaded, there will be 12 local runners making an appearance throughout the seven stint program, including Mark Milton's (Mudgee) Kazumi in the Gooree Stud Maiden Plate (1400 metres) and Brett Thompson's (Gulgong) Larynx in the Charity Shield Match 29th February 2020 Class 2 Handicap (1400 metres).
"For an impromptu transferred meeting, I can honestly say there will be great racing, we've got very good acceptances. We're excited about it," Colleen said.
"The races don't start until 2pm but it's going to be a little bit of a cooler day."
The Mudgee Race Club meet will be held on January 7 at the Mudgee Race Course with gates opening at 11am.
The first race of the day will jump at 2.10pm.
If people can come out, we'd love to see them. The place is there if you just want an afternoon out of the sun and relax, we're there.
"I would like to thank everyone for allowing us to do this, we will do our best."
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
