Horses hit the track at Carnarvon as racing season returns for 2023

More than 50 horses made the trip for the first Carnarvon Turf Club meet of the season, vying for more than $50,000 on the line across the six races.

A good crowd welcomed the start of the race season as Tom Pike’s Debit Credit was the first to cross the line in race one on his return to country racing after underwhelming performances at Ascot.

Mahutas and Finest Clobber completed the podium while favourite Moorumbine disappointed, finishing more than nine lengths off the front.

Sean Rains’ Heritage Sash upset the favourites Grated Coconut and Nights Mystery to take race two, while Northern Ruler picked up his first win in over a year in race three.

Pure Dynamite came out on top in a hotly contested race four, edging out Al Magico and Superlove by less than a length.

New Zealand mare Our Kiwi Princess won her first race in the 1000m maiden in a bunched finish with Set the Scene, Rommel’s Return and Calico Kid all finishing inside one and a half lengths.

The last race of the day produced the biggest upset as Ray Malpass’ Mirror Moon, sitting at $16 pre-race, held off Decoy Belle and Hawk to win after finishing last in his previous two races.

The return to club racing also offered the opportunity to recognise club legends such as Tom Day, who was awarded life membership just six months after receiving a lifetime achievement gong at the WA Country Racing Awards.

May 27 will be one of the club’s biggest meets as it hosts Ladies Day.