Memorial Race Day

Dear Madam

Next year’s Hay Cup should, and could, be the meeting of the decade. The way to go is to remember the past greats of racing contribution in Hay and have an eight-race card as a Memorial Race Day.

The people who have passed on deserve it. Names like Bill Ryan, Gavin Johnston snr, Rube Ireson, Abby Headon, Cass Hanna, John Cooper and Bev Booth spring to mind and I’m sure there are plenty more worthy of recognition.

I’ve always stated that the Showgrounds need a makeover to be up with other beautiful land marks such as Hay Park Oval, Hay War Memorial High School, Bushy Bend and Sandy Point to name a few icons. The time to start this renovation is first week in January. Not hard to do.

Raising sponsorship for any race meeting is not easy but becomes easier with a Memorial Day and an eight-race card. In past years I remember working behind the bar at the Waradgery Club at a Racing Club function on the Friday night before the races and marvelling at the talk and prosperity about in those times. I loved it. If Hay Jockey Club desires to be proactive and lay on a Calcutta on the Friday evening pre races at this historic location steeped in history, I will make sure that one Hugh Bowman is the guest speaker for the evening. He, being a fellow ‘Cocky ‘, will fit right in. I often stir him up about his heritage and his smart reply usually is something like “at least you know your place”.

Furthermore, it can also be organised for the running of the Hay Cup to be shown on national television or at least a replay of our time-honoured race. Count on it. This brings further economic benefits to the town which I’m told lately is booming. Capitalise on it. Hay Cup Day 2022, a day of organised celebrations.

One thing is for certain, I’m bringing a horse.

Yours etc Ron J Johnson , Nambucca Heads.