Tomorrow’s Echuca Racing Club meeting will hold extra significance with beloved trainer Daryl Archard to be recognised with a race named in his honour.
Archard, an experienced trainer with more than 200 winners over the span of a four-decade career, passed away on June 15 aged 68 after a long battle with illness, leaving a significant legacy on the country racing community and Echuca.
The Vale Daryl Archard 1955–2023 Maiden over 1200m is scheduled to jump at 1.16pm
“He was a major part of the racing community not only here but also at Gunbower, he had a long association out there as well,” Echuca Racing Club manager Garry Armstrong said.
“It’s just a good way to recognise Daryl at the races and the club to recognise his contribution to the industry.”
Archard had 33 winners at his home club and three at Gunbower, with his last at Echuca coming with Barmah Al in August 2021, and Armstrong said it would be heartwarming to see a local salute.
Four-year-old Qubella will be a popular runner, raced by Archard before his passing and now trained by his son Rhys, himself a popular local trainer.
“It’s a fitting tribute to have a race in his name and it would be fantastic if a local horse, or even better a horse from the stable could win it,” Armstrong said.
The forecast for the seven-race card is partly cloudy with a high of 14°C, the track rated a Heavy 9 two days out from race day.
“It’s looking pretty good, we have a few people booked to come,” Armstrong said.
“For a winter meeting it will be great, it won’t be a record-breaking crowd but it will be a nice day, and it’s nice to link your Saturdays with the races out at Flemington.
“We’re looking forward to the day and we’re hoping the sun stays out.”
Gates at Echuca open at 11am tomorrow (July 1) with a $15 general admission fee.
For full racing previews, head to page 31 of today’s Riverine Herald for Mactaggart’s Mail and A Local Look with Garry Armstrong.