Len Haaring doesn’t get much time for holidays so the Coonamble Racing Carnival is his dream vacation.
The 56-year-old is among the scores of trainers preparing for this year’s carnival, which starts on Friday and once again boasts a bonanza three days of racing action.
Haaring is a regular visitor at the long-running carnival and has enjoyed a fine year with the likes of Pure Arrogance, Most Arrogant, Isabel Enlim and Kayla’s Tiger, who are all featuring at the carnival.
With plenty of racing, punting and some liquid refreshments thrown in now and then, it’s always a trip to remember for the Central West NSW owner/trainer.
“Going to Coonamble is like preparing for a holiday - but with a few extra people involved,” Haaring said. “It’s my annual holiday.
“It’s like an extended family up there. Everyone is so friendly.
“They know you go through the good and the bad times in racing. It might be your turn to do well this year.
“It’s a lovely atmosphere and I love going.”
Haaring has Isabel Enlim and Kayla’s Tiger in one of the carnival’s big races, Monday’s $5000-to-the-winner Bridgewater and Belgravia Kennels Molong Final (530m).
Both greyhounds are part of a litter than have helped Haaring enjoy about 60 wins in TAB races over the last 12 months.
Most Arrogant goes in Monday afternoon’s Coonamble Bowling Club Final (301m) and looks a good chance.
“Most Arrogant is probably the quickest of our dogs,” Haaring said.
“She jumps early and hits the ground running. That is why we have her going over 300m.
“I think she will be hard to beat.”
The carnival’s feature race is the $10,000-to-the-winner Global HR Pty Ltd Gold Final (301m) on Monday, with heats taking place on Saturday.
Greyhounds to watch over the event include Hershey’s Kiss, Cosmic Halo, Kenda and Pumped Up Zarr.
Haaring said he enjoyed the atmosphere of the event, which has run for more than 40 years, as much as the racing action.
“The betting ring there is like nothing else,” he said.
“The runs are 10 or 15 minutes apart so you don’t have time to scratch yourself - it’s full on.
“If you like racing, having a beer and a drink it’s great - and I tick all those things.
“The people are great and it’s a lovely track up there.”
Action starts at 2.15pm on Friday and continues across Saturday and Monday.
For the Coonamble Racing Carnival fields and expert form, click here.
