It has been 44 years since Tony Williams, who many know as 'Tubba', has raced as a jockey but that is going to change at one beloved event in the Highlands.
The 62-year-old will make his comeback at the Bong Bong Races on November 24.
He last raced as an apprentice jockey at the Flemington Racecourse and won four races from 19 rides, before he had to reconsider his options due to issues with his weight.
The passion for horses has persisted as he has worked throughout the thoroughbred industry, and has become the director of the stallion operation Newgate.
Speaking with Racing.com, it was not until he was with a colleague and weighed himself earlier this year that he set the goal to return to racing, and make his comeback in the Highlands.
He has lost 35 kilograms and passed many health and racing trial tests, and been given the green light by Racing NSW.
When he recently visiting the Bong Bong Picnic Race Club, he said he looked forward to the return to racing.
What else people can look forward to
The Bong Bong Bong Races are making a comeback after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic and flooding.
Premium horses from across NSW will compete in six races with a $69,000 prize pool, which includes the Bong Bong Cup with $20,000 in prize money.
Fashions on the field will be back this year, so attendees are invited to look their best for the chance to win some prizes.
This year's charity partner is the Bowral District Children's Foundation, which is run by dedicated volunteers who are passionate about the wellbeing of children in the region.
People can also bring chairs, and a picnic. There will be food and alcohol on site, but drinks cannot be brought to the venue.
Angus Murray will also perform on the day.
The schedule on the day
The plan for the day goes as follows:
- 10am: the gates will open
- 12pm: opening ceremony
- 1pm: race one
- 1.40pm: race two
- 1.50pm: fashions on the field
- 2.50pm: race three
- 3.20pm: race four
- 4pm: the Bong Bong Cup
- 4.50pm: race six
- 6pm: the gates close
How you can get your passes
All the marquees and boot picnic spaces are sold out but race day passes for members and their invited guests are still available.
People can become members by contacting the club by emailing racing@bongbongprc.com.au or visiting bongbongprc.com.au.
Passes will not be available for purchase on the day.
Patrons can pick up their passes at the Bong Bong Picnic Race Club until November 23.
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Briannah Devlin
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
