Family connections were the winners at Adaminaby Races in November in a twist not often found in the horse racing world.

The feature race of the day, the 1400m Adaminaby Cup 1400m was won by Epaullo Creed, ridden by Kembla Grange based jockey Ryan Bradley.

Ryan managed to coax his ride to snatch victory on the line, the horse part owned by his father Brendan. It was the second attempt to win at Adaminaby, having run second in 2024.

Brendan Bradley and several other part owners from Queanbeyan, including Peter Svager were on hand to witness the race and join in the celebrations after the race.

“We’ve had Epaullo Creed since a yearling, I actually named him,” said Brendan Bradley.

The 8 year old gelding edged out Hello Jack with Astunner running third in a tight finish.,

"He was a class above these horses today, he's a pretty sharp little horse," said jockey, Ryan Bradley.

"He wasn’t the greatest fan of the track and he was wanting to stop underneath me. He’s too smart for his own good...once we got in to a bit of a dog fight later he showed how tough he is."

“Although he didn’t handle the track he still gave me 110 per cent."

The race meeting started with Gundagai trainer Trevor McIlrick and his daughter Amy scoring the quinella in the first race. Sweet and Sour saluted in what was a popular win for punters who liked the three to one odds, with Supreme Honours running second in a small field race.

Amy said "its a quick day for us" as they only had runners in the first race. Which proved be be financially rewarding taking home over $8300 plus trophies.

Trevor said he had been a full time trainer in Canberra where he had some handy horses, as he rattles of names of several of his high profile winners.

He commented he is "sort of semi retired" at present. He only has two horses in training and they made the trip worthwhile down the Snowy Mountains Highway to Adaminaby.

"They're family horses, so it keeps us happy. I enjoy them. The only thing I'd like is more picnic race meetings."

Punters were looking for winners and when the Becky Byrne trained Rager won the second race, there was a cheer. Becky grew up in Jindabyne, her father Kevin a local trainer and with plenty of locals travelling over for the day, there were definitely a few who lined added to their wallet by backing the horse.

While the fashions on the field started their parading for fashion honours, jockey Deep Shanker banked a hattrick of winners with Vivek taking the third race. Shanker rode Sweet and Sour in the first and Rager to win the second.

The final of five races on the card would see local trainer Georgie Boucher capture a win with Gwennybegg riding home to grand applause. Friends of Boucher were very happy for the likeable Jindabyne trainer after a rough year with her health.

The winning jockey, Caitlin Sinclair has ties to Adaminaby, her grand parents Joan and Col Sinclair ran a ski hire business in Adaminaby, and Col a long time respected fishing guide. 

Caitlin said she was really excited. "I've had a few rides on this now for Georgie, she just keeps putting me on and giving me a go, so pleased to get this win," said Caitlin. 

Georgie said summer twelve months ago was the last time one of horses had won. "It's very good to get a win, especially with her, she's ten now, she doesn't know she's ten though," said Georgie.

"Although she hasn't placed in the last couple of races, they've been really good races, we were setting her up for this. Every time Caitlin rode here I was like don't worry about the result today, it's Adaminaby and then Cooma in a fortnight."

Adaminaby Jockey Club President Lynley Miners said it was a successful day and a huge effort from the entire committee and helpers.

"It's about the community, to get them out and catch up with mates," said Lynley.

He wasn't the only one who would have liked the extra usual race to make it six on the day, plus have more horses in each race.

"There's a lot of other competition on elsewhere with other meetings, but certainly the weather held up and the grounds come well."

"There was some totally good racing, two or three very close finishes, that's what racing is."

Fashions On The Field

The fashions on the fields were down in number entries, as was the whole race meeting. But the entrants who were seeking accolades for best dressed, and best hat, were all styled beautifully.

Young Henry and Emily started off their race meeting in style, winning the Tiny Tot boy and girl. Clancy Marner won the girls, Finley Fairhurst the boys.

Canberra's Rebecca Skinner (below red) is a regular entrant and won best hat, Sabrina Forrest best classic lady and Kianna Fountain (right) won the fashionista on the field. 

The best group of day was won by a contingent of the Venables clan, who all have affiliation to the town of Adaminaby. 

The Adaminaby Races is a great event for socialising with groups travelling from Canberra, Sydney, as well as local areas to join in the fun. Here are a selection of people who attended on the day.