Marburg’s all Trotters Day

This Sunday Marburg harness racing club will have stage their annual trotters day and following last year’s intro, the club is hoping for another bumper meeting.

The main event is the Goldbet Graham Harriott Memorial which honours the memory of Graham who was instrumental in getting the trotters back to Queensland. He was also club president and patron. His widow AnnMarie is still a supporter while son James serves on the Committee.

Secretary Janet Keats explained.

We had the inaugural meeting last year but this time there’s a bigger pool of trotters in Queensland so we’re hoping to get fields.

In the past we’ve programmed the odd trotters races but these have not been well supported. Trainers find the track which is only 710 metres on the small side.

But at least the future of Marburg is assured as it plays a crucial role in supporting Queensland’s two other tracks at Albion Park and Redcliffe.

Keats added

Two years ago Harness Racing Queensland indicated that Marburg would be extended and also making it a suitable centre for young trainers. We have heard that the track will be  realigned. However the latest statement is still in planning stages.

Nonetheless the club continues to improve and enhance its infrastructure.

Over the last five years two new stewards towers have been built. Also a three tiered tower for the commentator and stewards have been added.

We now have ten additional horse ties and a swabbling facility. We’re in the process of extending the four wash bay to six. And we had a new drivers facility in the last five years.

It was well known that another track in addition to Albion Park and Redcliffe were needed to maintain. Marburg is tier three club. That means that our reporting and compliance is the same as Albion Park and Redcliffe. We race one per fortnight except December and February which are generally too hot.

We have trials before race day. Every Sunday there are jump outs. These are unofficial trials for local trainers. In West Moreton area we have 80% of Queensland harness racing trainers.

Like most other rural tracks around the country Marburg tries to make it a family oriented day. The club has five major meetings annually namely, Easter,May day, Kings birthday. Harriott day, and their Christmas race meeting that winds up the year.

For Harriott trotting day Yabby Dam Farms are sponsoring the trotters mobile up to NR45 and there is also a trophy for the Goldbet Graham Harriott Memorial trot. Every winner will receive a dress rug and sash. The club is also giving away a training sulky with wheels. Last year trainer of the day. It will be a special prize.

There’ll be marquees for sponsors and the public in the front straight and as added attraction up to three to four Mini trotters for children.

For their Sunday card, Marburg has drawn together a disappointing five event program. Boston Blizzard gets her chance to finally break through in the two year old. Former New South Wales trotter Macho Man having his first start for Grant Dixon looks well placed in the Harriott Memorial even though he has to come off 30 metres.

 

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink