CHANCE TO WIN A SMALL "FORTUNE" FOR NOTHING AT NEWCASTLE

EVER fancied slapping a thousand bucks on a horse without it being your money? Who hasn't!

Well, it will no longer be a dream for four racegoers who attend the Newcastle spring carnival on September 16 and 17 and purchase a racebook.

In a marvellous carnival promotion, leading bookmaker Michael Eskander is offering a "free" $1000 bet on each of Newcastle Jockey Club's four feature races - the Tooheys New Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m), MGA Insurance Brokers Spring Stakes (1600m), Patinack Farm Cameron Handicap (1300m) and Patinack Farm Tibbie Stakes (1400m).

The Cameron and Spring Stakes will be run on the first day of the carnival at Broadmeadow, and the Gold Cup and Tibbie Stakes on the second day.

Newcastle racegoers can "throw their hat in the ring" for one of the four bets simply by purchasing a racebook, filling out the coupon and placing it in the designated barrel near Eskander's rails stand.

One coupon will be drawn 30 minutes prior to each feature race and the winner's name announced. The lucky punter will then have five minutes to claim his/her bet and place the wager with Eskander; otherwise a re-draw will take place.

Each bet will be announced over the course public address system. The $1000 stake will not be included in any winning return (if a punter backs a $3 winner, the return will be $2000).

Eskander said today he was looking forward to fielding at Broadmeadow and accommodating current clients as well as welcoming new clients.

"I am delighted to be associated with this betting bonanza to assist Newcastle Jockey Club's promotion of their spring carnival. It is always two big days of great racing."

STORY COURTESY OF JOHN CURTIS from Newcatle Jockey Club