Big race day part of bigger Easter weekend

By Zoe McMaugh

Apr 3, 2024

Decker and jockey Josh Richards brought home the Tocumwal Gold Cup for the Jerilderie stables of Ross Purcell (left). Photo by Jeff Hanson - NSW Country and Picnic Racing. Photo by Jeff Hanson - NSW Country and Picnic Racing

Fine weather greeted Easter revellers in the Southern Riverina at the weekend, who flocked to the variety of events and activities on offer.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The weekend’s two major events - the Tocumwal Races on Saturday and the Finley Rodeo on Sunday - attracted large, well behaved crowds.

Tocumwal Racing Club’s Gary Beer said the race meet was a celebration of the local community, with two local connections finding success.

Jerilderie trainer Ross Purcell claimed the coveted Tocumwal Gold Cup with Decker, and Mr Beer said former Berrigan man Les Theodore is part owner in Limbering which won the final race of the day.

Mr Beer said there was also plenty of action trackside on Saturday.

“We had about 1500 people there, which was really great attendance,” he said.

“Everyone was really enjoying themselves, which was fantastic to see.

“There were a lot of people about in Tocumwal (all Easter).”

Mr Beer thanked all the sponsors and volunteers for helping to put on a great event, and said the committee was happy to welcome NSW Country and Picnic Racing back to the Tocumwal course.

All Fashions on the Field categories were hotly contested, but especially the Lady of the Day. Photo by Jeff Hanson - NSW Country and Picnic Racing. Photo by Jeff Hanson - NSW Country and Picnic Racing

“It was our first time attending Tocumwal races in many years, and we weren’t disappointed,” NSW Country and Picnic Racing owner/operator Jeff Hanson said.

“The racing was of a very good quality, with Decker’s gutsy win in the Tocumwal Cup one to remember – Josh Richards was the pick of the jockeys.

“The fashions were both competitive and fun to watch, and as a visitor to the beautiful Tocumwal, it was great to see the community decompress and take time to enjoy a good day out before heading back to town, where each pub was a hive of activity.”

Winners for the hotly contested Fashion on the Field were not submitted in time for publication.

For Tocumwal race results, turn to today’s back page.

Results from the Finley Rodeo, an Australian Pro Rodeo Association event, were not available at the time of going to print yesterday and will be included next week.