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Mount Barker Grapes and Gallops 2012
The Mount Barker Grapes & Gallops is a unique festival in WA with a high profile thoroughbred race meeting combined with a wine festival. It is a collaboration of the Mount Barker Wine Producers Association and the Mount Barker Turf Club.
The 2012 event will be held on Sunday, 15th January 2012 at Frost Park, McDonald Avenue, Mount Barker from 12 noon to 8pm.
The $90,000 Mungrup Stud Sprint was first run as the Mount Barker Sprint, the feature event of the Mount Barker Turf Club's 1985 season. It was decided to combine the two events and create a potentially iconic festival which had the ability to draw crowds from all over WA and further afield. It has been a resounding success.
Neatly coinciding with the annual golf feature in Albany, Wittenoom Cup Week, 14th to 22nd January: the Viterra Wools Bowls Carnival at the Mount Barker Golf (Bowling) Club on 17th and 18th January and a State event at the Mount Barker Speedway on Saturday, 14th January.
The Grapes & Gallops is the highlight of the racing season in the Great Southern of WA where the $90,000 Mungrup Stud Sprint is the feature event on a nine race card.
Top quality sprinters from Perth and the south west of the state travel to Mount Barker to contest this high quality race.
Mungrup Stud at Narrikup, south of Mount Barker, is the largest thoroughbred stud in WA and has been a great success for Jan and Gray Williamson and their family.
Mungrup Stud offers the biggest draft of yearlings at the annual yearling sales.
Progeny from their stud have been winners of high class races Australia-wide and internationally. In recent times Metal Storm (deceased) and young stallion, Oratorio have been in the top echelon of stallions in WA.
Nine Mount Barker premium wine producers will have their wines available for sampling and purchase. Wine producers participating are West Cape Howe, Arcadia, Galafrey, Gilberts, 3 Drops, Chatsfield, Xabregas, Hawkers Ridge & Clouds Estate.
Gourmet food is also a feature of the day and this year will have "Great Southern Reisling and Local Fresh Oysters", as well as other speciality foods and local products.
The day also provides a sumptious three course gourmet luncheon which is very popular, but unfortunately is now fully booked at 140 patrons. Some Mount Barker premium wines are served and are included in the price of $75 per head.
It is a very relaxed day with plenty of seating at tables close to the action on track. Outside tables and umbrellas can be booked through Gilbert Wines 98514028 or the Mount Barker Turf Club 0447 512873.
Children's entertainment is provided. A feature of this seasons Grapes & Gallops will be the appearance of Deb "Spoons" Perry, a finalist in Australia's Got Talent. Music throughout the day will be provided by 60's-80's band Second Time Round.
Buses are available from both Albany and Denmark.
Mount Barker Grapes & Gallops is a wonderful day and should not be missed.
It is country racing at its best with a very friendly atmosphere which can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Recent Comments
SLIPPERGOLDEN 27 Jun | Posts: 7576
R3 Supernatural from Wubin GoldR4 Mia Gusto each way with Village Girl improvingR5 God Has DriftedR6 Grand Reserve ewR8 Prophet And Power ewRoebourne...Yes RoebourneR2 Coupe DeburjR6 Not a maddie but Magic Whistle is a best bet
rooboy 27 Jun | Posts: 1409
Rc8-OdinakaHeavy track suits - 6th run back from a spell same as last prep when he won at Belmont T/D on a heavy track and same barrier.I hope Shooter rides him the same way 4-5 deep and win.Fifth Essence/Monte Tremmezo in the 7th.
Chopchop43 27 Jun | Posts: 449
My thoughts...Logistically, a trainer getting to the races for a 9am start would be extremely difficult to achieve on a routine basis when travel time & having to be clocked in on course 1 hour before their race at 9am, is taken into consideration. Not to ...
psycho 27 Jun | Posts: 867
I've just heard that Kristy has got a flight home (Medivac) on Sunday. Her rehab will be long and agonising so as a passionate racing person myself I ask everyone to hope/pray for the best possible outcome for Kristy and the rest of her family
AbbysAce 27 Jun | Posts: 705
My thoughts...Logistically, a trainer getting to the races for a 9am start would be extremely difficult to achieve on a routine basis when travel time & having to be clocked in on course 1 hour before their race at 9am, is taken into consideration. Not to ...
psycho 27 Jun | Posts: 867
Race 1 Lucky ShotRace 3 EliteoneRace 7 Monte Tremezzo
warrenrobinson 27 Jun | Posts: 590
Here is one for Warren , might bring back memoriesBut my Sept/Oct 1977 edition of Harness Horse which i received in the mail this week - so we are talking about nearly 50 years ago But there is a section - horses to follow re the punt - and there ab...
Voodoo 27 Jun | Posts: 1331
Grand Reserve in the 6th
SLIPPERGOLDEN 26 Jun | Posts: 7576
Thank you for the update Psycho
LightningJake 26 Jun | Posts: 52
My thoughts...Logistically, a trainer getting to the races for a 9am start would be extremely difficult to achieve on a routine basis when travel time & having to be clocked in on course 1 hour before their race at 9am, is taken into consideration. Not to ...