Andrew Gee (Calare, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I wish to draw the attention of the House to the fact that over 5,000 people flocked to the Bathurst paceway for the Gold Crown Carnival last week, one of Australia's premier harness-racing events and the richest country series in Australia.    I would like to make mention of the Bathurst Harness Racing Committee, who did such a wonderful job organising this great event—President Wayne Baker, Vice-President Laurie Clifford, Treasurer Phillip Webb and board members John Brien, Frank McRae, Peter Turnbull, Robert Chew and Nathan Hurst. I would also like to mention the CEO of Bathurst Harness Racing, Danny Dwyer, who did such an outstanding job, and his team, including marketing manager Marianne Donnelly, administration officer Julie Loader, track curator Tony Hagney, grounds manager Mark Evans and grounds staff member Peter Muller.

The final night of racing was on Saturday, which I attended. We saw homegrown talent on display. Cyclone Kate, who is trained and driven by former Bathurst resident John McCarthy, came from nearly last place to take out the Bathurst Mayor's Cup. Also Lithgow trainer and driver Geoff Simpson and Castalong Shadow won the Gold Crown Final. My Sweetchilliphilly won the Gold Tiara Final and the Gold Chalice Final was won by Atomic Red.

I would also like to mention the representatives from Racing NSW who were in attendance: John Dumesny, Adam Fairley and board members Peter Nugent, Rod Smith and Chris Edwards. Congratulations to all involved on a magnificent sporting event.