Lithgow's ‘Golden' Return To Racing

LITHGOW's much anticipated return to racing on Saturday was a resounding success.

"The track played great, we had a big crowd in attendance and everyone left in good spirits – just like the good old days," declared Lithgow club president Rod Bragg.

Staging its first race meeting in 20 months, Saturday's highly anticipated program featured three heats of the famous Golden Muzzle over the 516 metres.

Lithgow is Australia's oldest racetrack. And the Golden Muzzle is its oldest race boasting a stellar honour roll of past winners.

Heat one was won by Fernando Porche for local Paul Roach in 29.30.

But the performance of the son of Fernando Bale was overshadowed by the dulcet tones which called the race from the Lithgow vantage point.

"I'd been at Paul Ambrosoli for a month to come out and call a race on our first day back," said Bragg.

"It was yes then it was no and then luckily last Friday it was yes again. I think there were more people watching PA call the race than there was watching the race itself.

"When he finished calling the race the crowd gave him a massive applause. It was the icing on the cake for a fantastic day for the club.

“I can't thank PA enough for coming along and supporting the club.”

Heat two of the Golden Muzzle was won by Nangar Gold for Dennis Barnes in a new track record 29.06.

The third qualifier was annexed by Cheeky Lass for Tony Messina in 29.53.

"The times that were produced on the day are a credit to Terry Northey," Bragg said.

"He's our track manager and has done a fantastic job getting the surface to where it is. He's worked tirelessly and deserves all the credit he gets.

"Our committee also wants to say a big thank you to all the volunteers that saw us return to racing successfully on Saturday.

"We took over $1300 on the bar and I'd say there were a good 400 people there as well.

"The club was fortunate enough to have federal member Andrew Gee and state member Paul Toole in attendance as well.

"The whole day had a great feel about it. Just like the good old days."

Bragg says his committee intends to use the success of the two race dates allotted for the Golden Muzzle as a stepping stone towards further dates and more exposure into 2021 and beyond.

"Ultimately our long term viability will be decided by if we can get some Saturday morning TAB meetings," Bragg said.

"They are proving very successful and I think Lithgow would be ideal for that time slot. It's a safe track with a six second run from the 506m.

"There's a lot of upside and the committee will continue to work hard for the participants in the area."