IT’S not quite the race that stops the nation, but Balranald’s upcoming Billy Goat Cup should manage to at least stop the tiny town in its tracks when it is held next month.
Organised by the Balranald Football Netball Club (BFNC), the unique event is set to expand as it celebrates its second year.
BFNC vice president Graham Longford hopes the event’s novelty factor draws punters from across the border and results in another successful fundraiser for the club, before the Central Murray Football Netball League season kicks off in April.
“There was an unbelievable response, so much bigger than what we thought,” Mr Longford said in relation to last year’s event.
“We had a good 300 people and we’re expecting more this year.
“People are already talking about it… the whole idea of it is to raise money for the club.”
Last year saw 100 hairy wild goats compete but this year the field is also expanding with 150 goats expected to race.
Balranald horse trainer Ron Flanagan has been training his pet billy goat Hatfield in preparation for the cup.
Mr Flanagan said he had high expectations and was hoping for a better result than last year, which saw Hatfield run in the right direction for only a few metres.
“Hatfield got a bad barrier draw last year,” Mr Flanagan said.
“He’s been practising, running behind the horse on the jogger.”
For more on the Billy Goat Cup, pick up a copy of Friday’s Guardian (February 4, 2016).
