Tamworth Jockey Club to host New Year's Day meeting in 2022

TJC general manager Michael Buckley described the non-TAB meeting as "almost a big bash form of racing" with a lateish start for punters wanting to kick off the new year at the races.

"We'll need people to dust themselves off after a, hopefully fairly quiet and responsible, New Year's Eve," Buckley said.

"The plan is that we'll open the gates around 1pm, start the racing at 3pm and finish racing at 5pm."

"It'll be a short, sharp sort of race meeting - rapid fire. It should be good."

The TJC was offered the New Year's Day meeting after the Wallabadah Jockey Club made the difficult decision to no longer hold meetings at its track due to safety concerns arising from the course's unique slope.

The Wallabadah committee was offered to host the meeting at Tamworth or Quirindi but declined which was when TJC came into the picture, Buckley said.

"Given there was a shortfall, Racing NSW approached Tamworth about putting on a non-TAB meeting which is no way involved with Wallabadah," Buckley said.

Buckley said he felt for the Wallabadah community.

"We certainly feel for the team at Wallabadah. They've had shocking luck over the last few years with drought and covid ruining their chances of racing in 2020 and 2021," he said.

The TJC general manager hoped people come along to the races on New Year's Day next year.

"I think it's a good opportunity for the people of Tamworth to again get out and enjoy a day at the races," Buckley said.

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