The annual Boorowa Amateur Picnic Race Club meeting lit up the showgrounds on Saturday 2 May, drawing a big and enthusiastic crowd for a classic day of country picnic racing.
The Boorowa Picnic Race Club President put the following statement online to thank all involved for a successful event.
“On behalf of the Boorowa Picnic Race Club, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 Boorowa Picnic Races such a successful and memorable event.
To our attendees, thank you for joining us and supporting country racing in Boorowa. Your enthusiasm, community spirit, and ongoing support are what make this event so special each year.
To our valued sponsors and partners, thank you for your generous support and commitment to the races. Your contribution plays a vital role in ensuring the continued success and growth of this iconic community event.
To the jockeys, trainers, owners, and racing participants, thank you for being part of the day and for delivering an exciting program of racing for all to enjoy.
A special thank you must also go to our incredible volunteers, committee members, local organisations, and support crews whose hard work behind the scenes makes the event possible.
From preparation and set-up through to pack down, your dedication and community spirit are truly appreciated.
We would also like to acknowledge our local emergency services, staff, vendors, entertainers, and everyone else who contributed their time and effort throughout the event.
The Boorowa Picnic Races continue to be a proud tradition for our community, and it is only possible because of the collective support of so many people.
Thank you again for helping make the 2026 Boorowa Picnic Races such a fantastic day. We look forward to welcoming you back next year. Many thanks, President and Committee.”
Official results from Racing NSW confirm a successful meeting with strong betting support and clean racing throughout.
Race 1 — Community Bank Boorowa (Branch of Bendigo Bank) Conditional Picnic Handicap (1000m, $7,000)
Favourite backers got off to a flying start when Steve Cunningham’s Megaflash powered home under Paul Zerafa in a slick time of 57.15 seconds. The five-year-old gelding downed Connie Greig’s Corvette Pride (Dylan Parrott) by 2.54 lengths, with You Count (Amber Collins) third, 4.27 lengths off the winner.
Race 2 — Ron Finemore Transport, Flemings Rural, Hawk Hill Class B Handicap (1300m, $7,000)
Local trainer Debbie Prest struck in the second with Queen Kicker, who was too strong under Ashley Boyd. The four-year-old mare scored by three-quarters of a length from Frenetico in a time of 1:16.13. Taxonomy filled third for the Greig stable. Prest was quick to praise the big crowd that turned out to support the event.
Race 3 — Dunk Insurance Boorowa Picnic Cup (1700m, $10,000)
The feature race produced a polished performance from Victorian-based galloper Ceremonious (NZ). Trained by Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin and ridden by Leigh Taylor, the short-priced favourite ($1.70)
led throughout and held off a late challenge from Connie Greig’s Just On Fire (Amber Collins) by a length. Dolzino was third for Dylan Parrott, 2.5 lengths behind the winner. The winning time was 1:41.77. It was another successful Cup raid for the Corstens team.
Race 4 — Thompsons Rural Supplies, Stonehaven Furniture, Courthouse Hotel, Endeavour Meats Maiden Plate (1300m, $7,000)
Connie Greig continued her strong day when Bold Bender broke her maiden under the guidance of Amber Collins. The six-year-old mare held off a fast-finishing Checkout Chick (Ashley Boyd) by a narrow 0.35 lengths in 1:15.87. Lucky Monkey ran third.
Race 5 — Ranvet, Newhaven Park Boorowa Picnic Sprint (1200m, $7,000)
Warren Ganderton’s consistent performer Human Shield capped the day with a dominant sprint win under Dylan Parrott. The five-year-old gelding cleared out to beat Notleanormean (Paul Zerafa) by 3.46 lengths, with veteran Danish Hussar third. The sprint closed out an entertaining program in style.
Picnic racing at Boorowa once again proved why it remains a highlight of the regional calendar — great horses, skilled picnic riders, strong community support and plenty of local sponsorship from businesses such as Community Bank Boorowa, Dunk Insurance, Ron Finemore Transport, Ranvet and Newhaven Park.
The next picnic meeting on the NSW calendar will see the championship series continue, but for one day in Boorowa, the focus was firmly on celebrating country racing at its best.
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