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It's that time of year when racing reaches its peak in Parkes with next Sunday's Parkes Gold Cup meeting at the Parkes Jockey Club.
That'll be followed by the Parkes Picnic Races on June 12, where a big day on and off the track will celebrate over 100 years history.
Parkes Jockey Club (PJC) president Mark Ross is stoked that the club has been able to do some impressive and important upgrades at the racecourse since the last meeting in January.
"We've gradually upgraded both the track and the facilities, and we really do have one of the best undercover area for bookies and the like in country NSW," Ross said.
New horse stalls have been built and a new, higher fence, made of horse plastic, has been installed down the straight to improve the safety of both the horses and spectators.
Not only is it safe, but it looks fetching too.
The new white plastic gives a great contrast to what is one of country NSW's biggest and best tracks - and certainly one of the best tracks for punters to watch at.
The new horse stall also provide important safety upgrades, and also improve on the older, wooden aesthetic.
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Ross is thankful for the new stalls, and it sets up Parkes well for a potential Country Showcase meeting in the future.
"Anthony Whitney, who has horses himself, built these stalls - they're much higher (so if a horse rears it can't hit its head), more open and most importantly have proper tie-ups.
"We knocked down an existing garden shed to install the new ones and have a slab poured for even more.
"We've been knocked back in terms of hosting a Country Showcase meeting, which would be absolutely huge for us - mainly because of older facilities.
"Hopefully now there will be no excuse," Ross said cheekily.
Most importantly for Ross and the PJC however, is the fact the fans are back.
It was absolutely freaky having the Parkes Cup with no crowds last year, so we are really excited to welcome the punters back."
There will be eight races at the meeting will be highlighted by the $32,000 Parkes Services Club Parkes Gold Cup and the $27,000 Whitney Welding and Bobcat Hire Satellite Handicap.
Trainers are being advised that if you are bringing a companion horse, or wish to be stalled with other trainers, please advise the club so we can try to accommodate you in the stall draw.
Gates will open at 12pm, and stay tuned for a racing preview in next Friday's Parkes Champion Post.
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