‘Banger’ day at the Corowa Cup

In a massive day of racing last Saturday, Craig Widdison-trained Banger cruised to victory in the $40,000 Naughtin Development Corowa Cup (1600m).

The seven-year-old gelding sailed past the Darren McLeod-trained Danish Fortune by 0.83 of a length to deliver apprentice jockey Hannah Williams her second successive Corowa Cup win.

Early race-favourite Jack’s All Magic from the Kym Davison yard finished in third.

More than 1000 punters flowed to the Corowa racecourse last Saturday with plenty of action happening on and off the track including live music, great food, a coffee van and even a jumping castle and waterslide for the kids.

Racegoers were entertained by Ray Macartney who performed crowd favourites over the duration of the afternoon.

Elsewhere on the grounds, designated dining areas and bars were full, and the betting ring was busy.

Just before the Corowa Cup, eyes were glued to the screens as Geoff Duryea trained horse Front Page took on the $1.5 million Yulong Stud Newmarket Handicap at Flemington. Front Page performed exceptionally, leading strongly for half the race, but was ultimately outsprinted towards the end, coming in eighth.

Corowa Race Club Secretary Gail Law said it was fantastic to see a strong attendance last Saturday.

“We had a great crowd on Saturday,” she told the Free Press.

“The feedback has been amazing. People really enjoyed themselves. It was wonderful to see so many people having a fun time especially with so many events on in the region over the long weekend.

“It was a great atmosphere for people to relax and unwind with their friends. The weather was perfect, the crowd was full of energy, and everyone was well behaved. We couldn’t have asked for a better day.”