The winter weather gods brought a brisk change to the state in the last few days but they were smiling on the Gunnedah Jockey Club last Friday.
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All afternoon storm clouds threatened at Riverside before the heavens opened up during the eighth and final race of the day.
“The storm came in late, just before the last race,” jockey club’s Mark Storey said.
“The temperature dropped about 10 degrees and we had 5-7 mils of rain in just a few minutes.
“We had a barrier trial after the last and it was freezing.”
Punters had a good day on track too with most favourites or short-priced starters first past the post at Riverside.
Veteran hoop Rob Thompson rode three winners in Gunnedah on Friday including Hot Vinni, Solar Kitty and Oberland for Scone trainer, Rodney Northam.
The treble makes it four winners for Northam from his last six starters.
Beaten by a whisker in the Kosec.Com.Au/ Kodari Bm65 (1200m) were local starters Subarc and Subtract.
The Brett Thompson-trained Iwilldoit snatched the win in a final lunge despite jumping last from the gates.
Gunnedah trainers Gavin Groth (Subarc) and Sally Torrens (Subtract) settled for second and third respectively.
The fully supported TAB meet was held in conjunction with road safety campaign, Fatality Free Friday, which aims to cut the national road toll.
Racegoers were urged to pledge their support to the campaign and commit to safe driving by signing the inflatable car at the track.
The campaign will continue at Riverside race meets throughout the year. More information is available at: fatalityfreefriday.com