Grafton Getting Set For Bumper July Carnival

WHEN Grafton Club supremo John Corrigan heard Queensland's latest excitement machine Blue Blend is on his way to the Grafton July Carnival, he wasn't surprised.

"This carnival has been attracting quality dogs like Blue Blend for decade after decade," said Corrigan. “We had Brother Fox here, remember.”

This year, Corrigan will have his own high class race bitch, multiple Group performer Uno Nangar, chasing carnival riches in the Stayers Cup.

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Greyhound racing started in the Grafton region way back in 1913, on a straight track at Junction Hill.

It moved to the current site in 1933 on a U-turn track that went clockwise.

It was the start of the joint racing carnival with thoroughbreds.

"There was no track lighting in those days so the dogs ran their carnival in the morning and the horses went around in the afternoon," Corrigan said.

Corrigan has been president of the Club for decades and, aligned with a committee and workforce of willing volunteers, they have been able to continue the lasting traditions that make Grafton's July Carnival so popular.

This year's carnival has lost a race day.

"We've dropped the carnival back from six days to five," Corrigan said.

"The South Grafton Cup used to be run years ago and this extended the carnival the extra day, but this no longer happens.

"Casino gave up one of their race days for the carnival, and we have reciprocated by giving up a day to them the next week."

Corrigan said caravan bookings have been as popular as ever.

"Jimmy Turner has been here from Geelong for the past three weeks," he said.

"The Barnes and Buttsworth families are coming, and so is Col Miller.

"Where would the carnival be without any of those?

"And Mark and Lisa Delbridge have been her for a little while as well."

The carnival is centered around the time honoured July Maiden Classic, the Sprinters Cup and the Stayers Cup.

"Everyone wants to win the Maiden and a few genuine champions have failed to do so," Corrigan said.

"Dennis Barnes and his team have won three of the past four runnings.

"The Queenslanders don't need to stay any longer ever since the roadway has been upgraded.

"But, they will all be here for the carnival."

But, in the meantime, Corrigan and Grafton Club are preparing for the running on Saturday of The Thunderbolt, the ultimate test of speed racing.

"Bookings on the night were 700 last week," Corrigan said.

"We like to take bookings now so we can cater for the people coming. And, that 700 does not include the people providing the entertainment, the trainers and their families and handlers."

All of which heralds in another July Carnival to continue the tradition of glamour racing at Grafton.