Cole spreading his riches around

THE Christmas-New Year period is always a busy time for Mandagery-based farmer Geoff Cole as he races the clock to have his crop harvested in time for the festive season.

Cole had plenty to be happy about after the prolonged drought broke in the Central West at the beginning of 2020 and his yields for the year were more than satisfactory.

But it is not just the favourable change in the season that has Cole smiling.

He also wears many hats in harness racing where he is a prominent owner, breeder, the President of the Western District Harness Racing Association and President of the Parkes Harness Racing Club.

So, this time of the year keeps Cole hopping with the three major clubs, Bathurst, Dubbo, and Parkes all hosting their respective Carnival of Cups race meetings.

On Boxing Night, he was torn between accepting an invitation to be at Bathurst, where he also had his horse Mighty Joe racing, or heading to Dubbo where he had two runners engaged, Jumping Jack Jimmy and Western Ways.

He opted for the latter and witnessed a great crowd at Dubbo and looked on as both his horses were able to win, capping off a successful night for him as Mighty Joe had also been able to get the money at Bathurst.

“To get three winners on the one night at two different tracks was something pretty unique for me,” said Cole.

“Mighty Joe did get luck in running and used the sprint lane to win.

“It was his eighth win, and he is proving to be a handy horse for me.

“Jumping Jack Jimmy was off the scene for two years and I wasn’t that worried about getting him back.

“But my nephew, Will Cassell needed a horse to drive and he is going well for him.

“His win at Dubbo was a tough effort.

“I own Western Ways with Wendy Turnbull and it was good for him to win his maiden.

“He had certainly been knocking on the door.

“It was also special that all three winners had different trainer-drivers, all of whom I have had great success with over the years.”

Tonight, Cole will be hoping for more success at his home track of Parkes, which is hosting its Carnival of Cups meeting featuring the Langlands Hanlon Parkes Cup.

• MICHAEL DUMESNY