Punt Drunk: The race meetings you have to attend in 2022/23
The new season officially starts today, and what better way to see it in than a thrilling 10-race card at Fannie Bay for Darwin Cup Day? One of Australia’s great carnivals finishes up this afternoon, so we thought we would use today’s Punt Drunk to go back over some of the great days in the racing world throughout the 2021/22 racing season.
The Everest
Peter V’Landys and Racing New South Wales have nailed it with The Everest. The concept, the horses, the race, the day – it’s all pretty bloody perfect in capturing the audience. In 2021, Nature Strip – a horse everybody once loved to hate – reigned supreme in the rich 1200m sprint under champion jockey James McDonald. The scenes as JMac returned to the winner’s enclosure aboard The Strip were simply next level. Thousands of fans singing Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline – that’s as good as it gets.
If this doesn't get you pumped for the #TABEverest then nothing will!
Throwback to last year's crowd singing 'Sweet Caroline' as @mcacajamez celebrates his 2021 victory with Nature Strip 👑
🎟 #SydneyEverestCarnival tickets up to 40% off until July 31: https://t.co/yFF9Z7rrqO pic.twitter.com/ywOCmXgcyX
— Australian Turf Club (@aus_turf_club) July 28, 2022
The Archer
On the topic of slot races, The Archer at Rockhampton was an instant hit in the Central Queensland town. Based on The Everest, The Archer was run and won for $440,000 back in May with horses coming from right across the country. While it was a terrific day on course at Callaghan Park, connections kicked on right through the night.
Shane Nichols and connections of Streets Of Avalon had every reason to head home early after their horse was scratched on the eve of The Archer, but clearly the excitement of the raceday was enough to keep them out. Add it to the list in the 2022/23 season, for sure.
We may not have started in The Archer @TheArcherRace but we partied like we won!!!! Street of Avalon 🥰🦄🚀🏇🏻@shanenicholsrac @Racing @Racing_QLD #thankyourocky #BucketList pic.twitter.com/gURwqcOBv2
— Brooke Nichols (@brookestar02) May 7, 2022
The Bool
Of course, the Warrnambool May Carnival is one of the best going around. While we were of the opinion that it wasn’t the best in 2022 due to a few unfortunate results, the three days would arguably have been extraordinary to be at anyway. From a stolen beer pallet earlier in the week, to quality flat and jumps racing by the end of it in freezing conditions, ‘The Bool’ has already got us excited for 2023.
SERIOUSLY HOW BLOODY GOOD IS THE BOOL! 😍#TheBool pic.twitter.com/UYu2kKEWlM
— bet365 AUS (@bet365_aus) May 5, 2022
About Punt Drunk
Welcome to Punt Drunk – our daily column covering all the latest horse racing and punting controversies, dramas and headline news. Have a story or gripe or issue that just grinds your gears? Just hit us up in the comments or contact us page and our jaded, punt hardened Punt Drunk staff will give it the Punt Drunk treatment it deserves. Don’t expect pleasantries or typical racing media fanboy gloss from Punt Drunk – we’re on the punt and we don’t have time to bullshit; the next is about to jump…
