The heatwave being experienced forced the club to start their 10-race meeting early (11am) and finish early Saturday on what was a good day for Duri trainer Melanie Mabbott.

“We started 11am and were all done by 2.20pm,” said TGRC’s Ben Spence.

“The stewards advised us we start early and get it over before the heat. It was a good day for Melanie Mabbott. She had two starters for two winners – Culdesac (R2) and then the next race, the Kootingal Quality Meats 5th Grade (402m) with Paradise Valley.”

Visiting trainers also excelled, Muswellbrook’s Dean Behsman winning the first with aptly named Gotta Be Blazin’ while fellow Muswellbrook trainer Kevin Smith also won with Lainey Fern.

Gunnedah’s Lisa Silver had success with Lainey Fern and Murrurundi’s Ranald Dawes won the TGRC (Big T) Appreciation with Mulwee Jest.

Manilla’s Michael Ruttley won the Robert Munn Appreciation Maiden (340m) with Rutland Carol. 

Munn, the TGRC president, was in Adelaide where it was raining Saturday and was glad to miss the heat.

He was delighted to see two good TGRC supporters as Melanie Mabbott and Mark Taylor win races. While Mabbott secured an early race-to-race double, Taylor, who supports the club via the Kootingal Meats butchery sponsorship, won the last, the Russell Jordan Appreciation 5th Grade (340m) with Queen Doll.