The Committee & Staff of the Lismore Turf Club would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Easter holiday

Once again recent inclement weather and its consequential effects have played havoc with the drainage works on the course proper of Lismore Racecourse. The wet weather has caused numerous problems including delays in the works being completed and other ground related issues.

We can confirm that the majority of the area in question has now been satisfactorily re-turfed and an intensive management regime has been implemented with a view to re-commencing racing as soon as possible. However the track will not be safe to race on by Saturday 30th April and the SCU Cup Day has had to be postponed.

The club is currently working closely with Racing NSW to secure a suitable replacement date in the new financial year so that this important day is not lost to our industry or our local community.

The club is also advising that the traditional Woodlawn Cup Day to be held on Saturday 21st May will also be in jeopardy unless the weather improves significantly.

The key to this day going ahead lies in the ability of newly laid turf to throw down a strong root system and bind with the soil to give a solid and stable surface for horses to race safely, and current weather conditions are not ideal for this growth.

Conditions are being closely monitored and a decision about the suitability of the track to race on Saturday 21st May will be made in  the next few weeks.

Newly licensed Lismore trainer Michael Pearson has had a successful start to his training career. With 7 horses stabled on course, Michael made the long trek to Bowraville last Saturday and despite the meeting being called off after 3 races, Michael came home with a winner, a second and a third.

His winner “Sheemon” has been no stranger to the Northern Rivers over the last few years being previously trained by Ron Drysdale in Queensland but had been unable to win since 28th June 2008. As the $13 to 1 rank outsider of the field Michael was able to change the fortunes of this horse and get him to salute the judge in his first run for the new stable.

The club wishes Michael Pearson every success over the coming months.

The Lismore Turf Club facilities are being used by the Lismore Home Garden Club on Sunday 1st May for a giant friendship day starting at 9am. General admission is only $5 and includes morning tea, a “goodie bag” and being in the draw for numerous lucky door prizes.

The betting ring will have 14 stalls / demonstrations set up including various local produce such as macadamias, coffee, honey, cheese etc plus woodwork, plants, and much more. The Turf Club will be operating the downstairs snack bar serving lunch, snacks & drinks.

The Lismore Home Garden Club advises that everybody is welcome to attend and enjoy a very friendly group of folks for a great day of fun and interest. For more information contact Dorathy or Charlie on 02 6621 4100.

The Lismore Turf Club is on Facebook and currently has 230 fans which we hope to continue growing.

If you're not already a fan, why not take a look at the new initiatives including Gary Kliese's Late Mail being posted live on race days?

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