The Bong Bong Picnic Race Club have released a book detailing the event’s colourful 131-year history.
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Compiled by club volunteers and lifetime club member Alan Chittick, the book documents the history of the annual country picnic races that began in 1886.
It charts the club’s evolution throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries until now.
There are stories about heroic horses, riders and trainers who have made the headlines, awards won by the club and a final word on the future of the club.
Alan Chittick, the most senior member of the Bong Bong Race Club Board, carried out much of the historical research.
He joined the club when it was revived 1959 and has attended every every race meeting since.
Mr Chittick has also trained race horses, worked as the club’s publicity officer and even called the race on one occasion.
He said the book is an important documentation of a significant and historical community event.
“It’s part of local history, which I think should be recorded,” he said.
“A large number of people have attended the Bong Bong Picnic Races over the years without knowing the history of the races and the club, it’s struggle to survive and it’s victories.
“It’s important that we keep a formal record of how we started well over 100 years ago.
“The booklet is a wonderful way to provide the story to the whole community so they can understand that the Bong Bong Picnic Race Club is something to be proud of,” he said.
‘Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow’ will be available at this year’s picnic race day, held on November 24, as well as at select locations throughout the Highlands for a gold goin donation to the club’s charity partner – the Motor Neurone Disease NSW group.
This year’s cup will share the booklet’s theme – yesterday, today, tomorrow – in celebration of the club’s rich history.