The highlight of the night was the drawing of the Lucky Gate prize. The Parkes HRC gave away a $5000 travel voucher to one lucky patron. The winner was Linda Taylor of Parkes and she was shaking when accepting her prize. Last years winner Debbie Pickstone from St Claire was back hoping to continue her luck and she drew the winning ticket.

On the track the night belonged to the "Turnbulls" with members of the famous harness racing family from Bathurst winning 7 of the 8 races.

Amanda Turnbull was at her very best piloting 4 winners two of which she trained and two for her father Steve. She kicked off the night winning the first race the AGL Energy Tabcorp Park Menangle heat with the $1.40 favorite Cherry Mahoney which ran a top race after being three wide for the first lap she was still able to draw away and win by ten metres in a slick 1.57.7.

Parkes trained horses Blake On Fire and Miss Sporty Tara ran the placings and both put in great efforts and a win is not far away for them both.

Greenngold was Amandas second winner in the feature race the TAB.com.au Elvis Championship Final. Although an easing $2.00 favorite the three year old pacer again proved too strong for his opposition and he has now won at his last 5 starts.

The K and H Haulage Pace and again Amanda was winning on a short priced favorite in Fullon Boundary Row and in race eight the Parkes Furniture One Pace it was another odds on favorite and Amanda this time Raksmach who sat back in the field before unleashing a strong final 200 metres to race away with a 10 metre margin.

Nathan Turnbull the older brother to Amanda wasn`t going to let his sister get all the glory with him winning two races on the night. His first winner was Nota Bad Move in the Parkes Phoenix Three Year Old Pace.

Again he was a short priced favorite at $1.60 and he looked good leading throughout to record his first win. Nathans second winner was in the Betta Home Living Pace on the Aaron Williams trained pacer The Oriflamme.

In a thrilling finish with less than one metre separating four runners the punters had a nervous wait before the judge gave his decision. With Turnbull pushing his drive hard to the line he was able to just beat the favorite Blue Chip Memories. Local pacer Double Standards ran a great race for third to only be beaten by a head and he too will soon be winning.

Not to be out done Emma Turnbull, a cousin to Amanda and Nathan , was in top form with her drive on Karinya Mully to win the Parkes Farm Centre Pace. Trained by Gary Eyre at Forbes and owned by Trundle brothers Tom and Col Quade Karinya Mully was the only "local" to take home the major end of the prize.

The other winner on the night was Trunkey Emily and once again it was a leading Bathurst trainer/driver in Bernie Hewitt who proved too strong.

The Parkes HRC race again on Australia Day evening January 26 2017 and the club has lots of entertainment planned for the patrons.

Excellent numbers for social bowls over the weekend and a game of Handicap Pairs between Col Hornery and Mike Furney against Allan Cameron and Peter Job who won the match 26-19 apparently from all reports Mr. Cameron was announced man of the match congratulations Al.

Social bowls last Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday attracted excellent numbers commencing at 6.30pm seems to be the way to go in the these hot months.

Wednesday winners were Dave Garrett and Mike Parkes.

The runners up were Trevor Downey and Tom Furney.

Bowls this weekend will be held on Sunday commencing at 9.30am.

I would imagine there will be quiet a few Elvises wanting too take part dress up as Elvis if you please.

Bowlers are reminded that nominations for Major Singles close on the January 16 and the Major and Minor Singles and Pairs are up on the board.

The club will receive a visit from the Manildra club on the January 28 a sheet is on the board if you wish too take part.

With Elvis in the building the club has really got into the atmosphere this year the music everyday and night early morning breakfast, lunch and dinner available from Vinces, bingo, karaoke raffles  and barefoot bowls .

Parkes Women’s Bowling Club will begin playing bowls for 2017 on Tuesday, January 17.

Welcome back to all bowlers and enjoy a great year of bowling.

We will be having a trading table and a shared lunch to welcome all bowlers for 2017.

To play social bowls please ring table selector, Audrey Jones between 8.30am and 9am. On the social roster is Brenda Davies.

January 8 the Club played a 4.B.B.B. Stableford for a Club Trophy. Victors on the day saw Sue Smith and Ian Phipps combine extremely well with a score of 49 Points.

Runner ups were Ray Cabban and Rod Luyt with a score of 47 Points followed by Phil Smith and Reg Davison on 46 Points.

Captain Chop was seen very upset because of the 4.B.B.B. Rule in our Club that says no more than three shot H/Cap reduction on this Event.

I do hope ELVIS will shine on us next week as I feel sure the Captain will not.

Nearest the Pins for the Ladies went to Margaret Hogan on the fourth with no results for any other hole.

Nearest the Pins for the Men went to Tom Delmenico on the first for six balls with the fourth and 11th going to Mick Smith. Sixth Paul Murray and 15th to Greg Phillips.

Lucky Card Draw:  Mick Smith and Tom Delmenico.

Bunny Award: Richard Wells and Reg Davison.

Raffle Winner: Ian Phipps. 

Runner Ups: Greg Phillips, Rod Luyt and Mick Smith (2).

Welcome to all our visitors for the ELVIS FESTIVAL and double welcome to all the Dragons Supporters to our Town.

GO THE DRAGONS.