An overwhelming success and show of strength for country harness racing, Canowindra Autumn Twilight Trials on Saturday April 22 were a huge success.

Over 500 people came through the gate, 124 horses went around and 16 races were conducted.

The committee's expectations were certainly realised on the day – they had hoped for a good result but were overwhelmed by the response.

The enthusiasm within the club and build up to the day were very gratifying, everyone had a section to attend to and were all run off their feet but they enjoyed every bit of it.

The club pulled together and made an impact, not to mention all the sponsors – the day would not have been as successful without all your help and we are so very grateful to you all.

All proceeds from the day will go back into upgrading the track to make it the best trial track in the district.

Horses from around the district converged on the Cowra Showground and it was good to see so many horses race under lights again.

We haven't had night racing at Canowindra for many years.

The mini trotters had six racing events between the harness event and one mini trot was won by local youngster Rachel Bennett.

Bathurst champions Smooth Satin and Steve Turnbull, Interdominion and Miracle Mile winners, paraded and then worked a few laps for the large crowd who cheered him as he sprinted down the home straight.

We are so grateful to Smooth Satin's connections Jenny and Steve for bring this grand pacer for our day.

We had good weather which always plays a major part in a successful day.

The evening was cool but a good supply of fire buckets and some good country music supplied by Michael Britt and family took the chill off the air.

Our old mobile started every race without a hitch – it was the first mobile in the Central West back in 1966 and is still going strong.

After the 16 races were run Sydney race caller Mark McNamara, who had called during the evening with Western District's callers Bill Palmer and Craig Easey, put together a special Phantom Race Call.

This included famous horses from our district- Armbro Jodie (Kevin Newman), Glamour Guy (Toby Weekes), Calcutta (Dave Middleton), Tee Tee Lodge (Mick Cassidy), King Ranji (Max Grant), Ardstraw (Wayne Honan), Rapid Frost (Kevin Robinson) Diamonte Hanover (Tom Hutchings), Rowleyalla (Keven Rivett), King Frost (Ian Mutton), Cocky Raider (Gordon McWilliam), Paleface Adios (Colin Pike) and Hondo Grattan (Tony Turnbull).

If you would like to hear this race and the result you can send $10, payable to Canowindra Harness Racing Club, PO Box 169, Canowindra, for the CD.

Everyone associated with these horses was invited to our Twilight Trials and many people mentioned it was good to see so many old faces, you just don't see them any more.

It was a reunion of sorts for many trainer/drivers and devotee and we have had nothing but praise and thanks from visitors and locals who turned up on the day.

The Canowindra Services and Citizens Club who began sponsoring this club 42 years ago, again showed their enduring support and generosity in providing a new Regal Deluxe Sulky.

A large crowd gathered in the presentation area for the draw where President Ray Melhuish drew the winning horse (Michaylas Umbrella) and the trainer Mr Darryl Rustin of Parkes was presented with the new sulky.

Ray went on to congratulate him and all the other participants who made this day the success it was.

The display of memorabilia in the hall at the top of the grandstand was nothing but spectacular, with an autumn feel all around the room and the Miracle Mile racing on the screen.

The room was absolutely full of photos, trophies, rugs, old gigs, harness, racing colours, books, albums and newspaper clippings.

Many hours were spent up there by everyone; it brought back many memories and stories to everyone who visited.

To all the workers on the day many thanks your volunteer help was much appreciated.