Only 3 more sleeps to the Scone Carnival…

$2 million prizemoney makes the 2011 Scone Carnival the richest country race-meeting in Australia, but it’s the warm welcome from the Hunter Valley horse community that will make it a memorable social, as well as sporting occasion for the expected crowd of 8000-plus racegoers.

Arrowfield is delighted to be among the large number of Hunter Valley studs sponsoring the two-day Carnival which includes the $175,000 Arrowfield Dark Jewel Classic LR on Saturday 14 May. That day’s meeting marks the first time in the 200-year history of Australian racing that a traditional metropolitan raceday has been allocated to a country area.

Owners and trainers have responded enthusiastically to the richly endowed programme, with almost 600 nominations for the 16 races across the two days. The highlight of the first day is the $175,000 Emirates Park Scone Cup LR, while the $250,000 Inglis Guineas heads the card on Saturday.

The Scone Carnival is a feature event of the Scone & Upper Hunter Horse Festival which began on 28 April and concludes this Sunday 15 May.

Another highlight was last Saturday’s Scone Equine Hospital Horse Festival Horse Parade. Arrowfield was represented by staff member Jess Hood’s horse Gilby who strutted through the town in his pretty red tutu and feather boa and claimed the 2nd prize ribbon.

Pictured: Gilby looking gorgeous for Arrowfield and his strapper Kerry Stephens. (PHOTO: Rosey King)

Visit the Scone Race Club for more information about attending the 2011 Scone Carnival.