Corona Free! Coonamble Carnival Confirmed

THE Coonamble Greyhound Racing Club has confirmed that this year's October long weekend carnival will be going ahead as scheduled.

A month ago, the famous carnival looked like being a casualty of the coronavirus pandemic, but with restrictions lifting at a rate of knots the club has confirmed the event will proceed as planned.

"It wasn't looking too good there for a while," declared event organiser Kevin Gordon.

"But with restrictions easing we felt comfortable to announce last week the carnival will push ahead so that owners, trainers and visitors can begin making their arrangements."

For the first time in 2020, the time-honoured carnival will be sponsored by wagering operator Betdogs.com.au, while Garrard's Horse and Hound have again thrown their support behind the club.

"The club is extremely grateful for the support of Craig Driver and Betdogs.com.au," Gordon added. "And to have Garrard's Horse And Hound commit once again is another huge boost.

"Their sponsorship is vital to the viability of the carnival and I speak on behalf of the club and all participants in extending our sincere thanks for their support."

The carnival takes on a slightly different look this year with the club introducing a Wednesday night meeting to replace the Friday afternoon card.

Meetings on Friday night, all day Saturday and of course finals day Monday remain as usual.

"We're trying a Wednesday night program this year and the feedback has been very positive," Gordon said.

"Not only does it provide additional opportunities for owners and trainers, but it also gives people the option of getting to Coonamble a little earlier with the opportunity to race.

"It's been well publicised how important the greyhound carnival is to the town of Coonamble and to further grow that connection is important to the club."

In the coming weeks, Coonamble will unveil its 2020 carnival racing program, led of course by its signature event, the Betdogs Gold Maiden, this year carrying a massive $12,000.00 to-the-winner.

"We've got a few new initiatives which we'll be rolling out in the next week or two," Gordon added.

"That will include a 700 metre event, something that's been missing for too long now at the carnival. A big thanks to Rob Tyler with Moreira, and Gus and Kaleb Weekes for co-sponsoring the race.

"Like always we'll be catering for all grades and distances to offer as many opportunities for participants as possible."