SA RACING LUNCHEON

The Derby Pavilion at Morphetville, home of the SAJC, was the venue for the Carbine Club’s UBET Adelaide Festival of Racing Luncheon on Friday 5 May 2017.

President, Nick Chigwidden welcomed Members and their Guests along with the newly elected SAJC Chair, Ms Bodelle Francis, and the Deputy Chairman of Thoroughbred Racing Simon Ward, both organisations being strong supporters of the Carbine Club.

MC Terry McAuliffe set the scene for the day with a tribute to “Carbine” the race horse and the formidable history which is still unsurpassed by any other race horse in thoroughbred history.

Guest speaker Darren Weir just made it to Adelaide, and he absolutely charmed the crowd with his lively banter, riding high off the recent Warrnambool Carnival wins which included the Warrnambool Cup.

The “sleep deprived” trainer stirred the fire on how humble he has been coping with the many wins – from the 2015 Melbourne Cup through to the very imminent Adelaide Festival of Racing.

The entertaining North Melbourne football legend, and Lambassador to the Australian Meat industry, Sam Kekovich entertained all.  His straight shooting wit got the crowd engaged and laughing, but with some serious overtones. Sam likened his yearning as a potential Prime Minister as having origins similar to Trump aka the entrepreneur who would “put your money where your mouth is” and “get the country moving again”.   These moments were part of a great delivery by the ultimate master of spin. 

We also had prominent Adelaide trainer and Carbine Club Member, Richard Jolly, President of the SA Branch of the Australian Trainers Association, accept the Guest Tipster’s role for the UBET Adelaide Festival of Racing and he made comment on the racing calendar for the autumn.   Prophetically, he said that one of his horses, Karacatis, could be a chance and it won at great odds of 17 to 1 the next day.

President, Nick Chigwidden, announced that The Junction Tavern where most of our guests were seen after the lunch, had renamed a section of the establishment as the CARBINE LOUNGE – showcasing the tribute print that John Condon OAM, CCSA Hon. Secretary presented to them.  ‘Carbine’ now adorns the wall, along with many other magnificent thoroughbreds including such names as Makybe Diva.

President Nick Chigwidden, Darren Weir and MC – Terry McAuliffe

Sam Kekovich – you know it makes sense

L-R:   Terry McAuliffe and Darren Weir

Compiled by CCSA Honorary Secretary John Condon OAM and Ms Robbi Tims, Luncheon Co-Coordinator.