Sport
24 May, 2024
Esk celebrates life members
Perfect weather, a well-prepared racing surface, an excited group of guests celebrating their connections to life members of the Esk Jockey Club (EJC), and competitive racing led to an exceptional race day in Esk last Saturday.
Four of the club’s five present life members attended, while club patron Tony Fitzgerald was the acting fluctuations steward.
Tommy Ulyatt was on the barriers, and Vince Roberton drove the steward’s car.
Long-time secretary Lyn Moore spent the day in the VIP tent, while Terry Cowley was unable to attend.
A larger than expected crowd ensured accommodation was full in Esk that night.
In the seven races, there were seven different trainer/ jockey combinations which hit the winning post first while there were many nail-biting finishes.
The margin between first and second place was 0.1 of a length in the second, third and fifth races, while the margin was 0.2 of a length in the first and sixth races.
The margin between the winner and runner-up was 2.5 lengths in races four and seven, while the bookies’ favourite placed first in the fourth and sixth races.
EJC life members were keen to back the horses carrying their name on the club Saddlecloths, but the winner of the opening race carried number 15 while the named saddlecloths stopped at 13.
EJC secretary Sharon Cowley said the best finish was in race five which was the main race: The Battle of the Bush Qualifier.
“This race, with the final of the series being run in Brisbane, was shifted to Esk after the Bundaberg Club had a washed-out meeting,” she said.
“It is a long time since Esk has run an Open event, and the finish was the closest of the day with the first five horses crossing with half a length between them.
“Such a good crowd for this extra Esk meeting gives the committee hope that the July 13th meeting will be more popular than ever.”
