An icon of Deniliquin racing and his favourite galloper will be recognised at Deniliquin’s Anzac Day race meeting tomorrow.

While the Deniliquin RSL Club Diggers Cup is the main event on the program, of particular interest will be the Mel Hutchins/Sir Boom Memorial Handicap.

Hutchins trained many winners throughout the Riverina and northern Victoria, as well as metropolitan success, but it was Sir Boom that provided his greatest racing success.

Boomer, as he was affectionately known, won 16 races including two Memsie Stakes at Caulfield, a Winter Championship final at Flemington and was runner-up to the champion mare Dane Ripper in a Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.

Sir Boom was the horse Mel had always dreamed of, and thanks to the loyalty of owner Andrew Hay, ‘Boomer’ spent his entire career at Jetset Racing Stables, on the outskirts of Deniliquin, where Mel gave him the greatest care and attention any horse could wish for, and always ensured he was presented at the track in peak condition … just like he did with all the horses he trained.

And there were many that greeted the judge.

These included the likes of Northern Wind who despite some issues with dicky front legs was nursed along by Mel for some great wins on Victorian provincial and metropolitan tracks; the mare Mrs Mid who gave Mel his first Deniliquin Cup; and tough little galloper Kuta Nights who especially enjoyed going to Swan Hill, where he won seven of eight starts and two Swan Hill Horse of the Year Awards.

There was the Moonee Valley winner No Spice which raced more than 50 times for 11 wins and 14 seconds, but not one third, and was also a Swan Hill Horse of the Year.

The smart mare Electric Puha won a Travis Harrison Cup, also at Moonee Valley.

It is fitting that the Mel Hutchins/Sir Boom Memorial Handicap is being held on Anzac Day, as it was a day of special significance to Mel, who for many years joined the Light Horsemen in the local Anzac Day parade.

Mel passed away on January 11, 2016, and is remembered as an excellent horseman, an accomplished trainer and a top bloke.

The smiling face and friendship he offered to everyone have been missed.

The race in his honour will be part of an exciting day of Deniliquin racing, with a six-race program.

This is one of two meetings hosted by the local Racing Club each year, with the other being on Caulfield Cup Day in October.

Delightful autumn weather is expected, with temperatures in the mid-20s to entice a large crowd.

The club is delighted that Deniliquin RSL Club will again be the major sponsor.

The track and surrounds are in excellent condition, with plenty of entertainment for racegoers, including fashions on the field, live music, bar and refreshments, with TAB facilities plus local and metropolitan bookmakers for the avid punter.

For football fans, the big clash between Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG will be live on the big screen.

Anzac Day action will continue after the races, with the traditional game of two-up at the track and continuing later in the evening at the RSL Club.

The Race Club is encouraging everyone to purchase their 2026 memberships.

They are currently on sale for $50 which entitles the member to entry on both race days this year, the other being Deniliquin RSL Club Gold Cup day, coinciding with the Caulfield Cup in Melbourne and The Everest in Sydney on Saturday, October 17.

Membership also gives entry into the $500 lucky member’s draw in October.

For more details, see the club’s Facebook page.

Membership payments can be made to BSB 633-000, account 146 592 142, and please use your surname as a reference.

Call Col McMahon on 0428 266 730 for more information.

Deniliquin Pastoral Times Google News Panels

Tuesday, 18th August 2026

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