Daily is ready to defend title
A COMEBACK of epic proportions last year had Daily Dalmatian take out the much-coveted Buchner Family Celebrity Horse Race - an event second only to the Warwick Gold Cup - and the dog is looking for a back-to-back win this year.
The event is a part of the Friday night mardi gras celebrations for Rodeo weekend.
Daily took out the race in 2007 and 2008 before a couple of off-form years.
But he came back last year to take the trophy amid suggestions by Warwick Tourism and Events CEO Tracy Vellacott of "less than fair conditions" after coming last in his heat.
Yesterday Mrs Vellacott would not buy into comparisons to the Lance Armstrong doping scandal but said there were some advantages given to Daily.
"I think the race caller (Mal Sheard) may have handicapped the other competitors to no end," she said after the race last year.
There was no word whether or not 2010 winner Member for Southern Downs and Health Minister Lawrence Springborg would be on the starting line, but Mrs Vellacott said confirmed entrants include John Creed of Creed and Lang, Trigger the Horse and a "representative of WIRAC".
The physically demanding race has left some of the steeds in disrepair.
"Nev Yarrow from the Warwick Woodcrafters is going to be looking after them," Mrs Vellacott said.
Mardi gras kicks off at 5.30pm Friday, October 26.
The Buchner Family Celebrity Horse Race will start about 7.30pm. Look out for sweeps and a form guide in future editions of the Daily News. If you are keen to take on Daily, phone 4661 9073.
