Despite the dominance of Bathurst-trained horses in the winner's circle on Sunday afternoon, the win by Famous Cookie in the Forbes Services Memorial Club Final (2060m) was the highlight of an outstanding day of pacing action for the 2019 Forbes Carnival of Cups.

On the back of some excellent form leading into Sunday's Final, Famous Cookie was sent out at the valuable odds of 12-1.

The race was robbed a little of interest when likely favourite, Abitmorebliss had to be withdrawn.

After almost crossing to lead from a wide draw, driver Michael Day Jnr restrained his charge to gain cover and settled midfield.

In a race where an even tempo was set, Famous Cookie travelled sweetly and with 400 metres to run he was set alight three wide by Day, dashing to the lead rounding the home turn and putting a 16-metre gap between himself and runner up, Walk On Kimmy ($2.50, Emma Turnbull) which ran a nice race after being under pressure a long way from home.

Third placed Best Beau ($61, John Beeby) ran his usual honest race after racing behind the leader throughout.

The win was a special one for Grenfell trainer, Peter McFarlane, and his daughter Courtney Petty who owns the horse.

Every time their horses race, it is a whole family affair with the grandchildren showing as much excitement as the adults and Sunday it was no exception.

Their screams rang out across the Showground when the big mare bounded clear.

Mitch Turnbull took the driving honours on Sunday as the talented young reinsman drove a winning double.

His first came up in the Ted Clifford Memorial (2060m) when he combined with brother Nathan to score with the $2.10 favourite, Michaels Desire.

Turnbull led and then rated the gelding perfectly before breaking clear of his rivals as they left the back the last time where Michaels Desire found another gear and looked very comfortable in his 12 metre win.

Abercrombe Tab ($34, Tom Pay) and Tulhurst Cash ($5, Nathan Hurst) fought out the minor placings after both had raced in forward positions throughout.

The Club Menangle Country Series Heat turned into a real speed test and the mile rating of 1.57.4 for the 1680 metre trip was just three tenths of a second outside the track record.

And while the leaders were playing cut throat, Mitch Turnbull must have been chuckling to himself aboard Maximus Red ($3.20) who was sitting back near last, ready to have the last crack.

Turnbull gained a tow home on the back of Theartofinfusion which carted him past the tiring runners.

In the end, class prevailed and Maximus Red forged clear to win comfortably over Shannonstheman ($14, Amy Rees) with Theartofinfusion ($5, Nathan Turnbull) close up in third.

Emma Turnbull drove a well-judged race to lead throughout aboard Young Cambo in the Club Menangle Where Horses Fly Heat (1680m).

Turnbull ran almost identical quarters and Young Cambo kept fighting on to kick back and win by two metres over Sams Express ($3.90, John O'Shea) which worked hard in the run and was far from disgraced.

Enk Spot Shannon ($51, Amy Rees) got home well to run third after racing midfield.

Dubbo mare Lovin Everyday justified her $1.95 quote when she led throughout in a slashing display of speed to take out the Forbes Shire Council Dubbo Golden Gig Heat (1680m).

Driven by talented freelance reinsman James Sutton, Lovin Everyday was most impressive as she ran fast quarters and never appeared in danger of defeat, careering away for a 21 metre win.

Lettuce Pray ($3.30, Michael Day Jnr) put up a huge performance after striking trouble just after the bell and made up a ton of ground to grab second, inches ahead of Sporty ($151, Brad Peisley).

Arguably the best drive of the day was produced by Bathurst based reinswoman, Isobel Ross aboard the Josh Turnbull trained Lucky Lyla ($2.80) in the Kevin and Kay Seymour Ladyship Pace (2060m).

Ross found herself in an awkward spot, bottled up on the pegs near the tail of the field with 600 metres to run but she was then able to move into the running line and got to the extreme outside where Lucky Lyla sprouted wings, five wide which enabled her to gather in the leaders and go right on by.

Lady Swiss ($4.40, Bernie Hewitt) and Dot Ayou ($7.50, Nathan Turnbull) both worked hard in the run and were brave in defeat.

Bernie Hewitt had a frustrating day of minor placings, but he was able to land a winner in the Forbes Livestock & Agency - Walkers Agnvet Pace (1680m) with We Salute You ($1.55) who was most impressive.

The gelding was wide early before finding the death chair and he simply outstayed the second elect, Hit The Track ($2.40, Nathan Turnbull) which led and appeared to have every chance.

Lara Bay ($81, Nathan Hurst) ran third after racing just off the pace.

Racing started with a bang when Gabbys Sportstar ($3.60) was most impressive in taking out the Tab.Com.au 3yo Pace (2060m).

Trainer, driver Nathan Hurst held the lead from barrier one and then rated the gelding perfectly, shooting him away at the top of the lane to go on and score by just over 11 metres.

GRENFELL GOANNAS REPORT

Last weekend the First Grade and League Tag teams had a bye whilst the Youth League boys took on Cargo at Canowindra on Saturday.

Sunday sees all three grades travelling to Cargo with Youth League starting at 11.20am followed by League Tag 12.40pm and First Grade 2.00pm.

YOUTH LEAGUE MATCH REPORT

Last Saturday our Youth League team went down to Cargo 32-30 in a see-sawing battle after leading 14-10 at half time.

The young Goannas looked likely to pull the game out of the fire when Saxon Southwell made a long break down the sideline in the final minute but unfortunately, he was bundled into touch short of the line in a try saver by the Cargo player.

This match pitted a Grenfell team dominating the centre with their big forwards against a Cargo squad boasting slick halves and outside backs.

Best for Grenfell were Matty Ryan (3pts), Nathan Wilson (2pts), Jai Purdie (1pt) and players' player Robbie Dawes.

Tries were scored by Ethan Reid (2), Jai Purdie (2), Matty Ryan, and Nathan Wilson with Lachlan Stevens kicking 3 conversions

The 2019 Grenfell Bromar Engineering Rodeo will take place this Saturday, May 11, at the showground.

All the action will kick off with the first performance at 10am, the second performance will commence at 5pm.

Come along for a great family day out with entertainment for all ages!

This will be Grenfell's third annual Rodeo.

Events included are open bull ride, saddle bronc and bareback, ladies barrel racing, steer wrestling and undecorating, as well as novice and junior events.

Check the Facebook page for full listing.

Affiliated with ABCRA, the biggest Rodeo and Campdrafting association in Australia, this is a full points rodeo with over 300 entries expected.

Entry is $15 for adults, 12-17 and pensioners $10 or grab a family pass for $40.

Please be advised of

the following:

- Gates open 10am

- Strictly no BYO

- Food stalls and bar

- Camping available

- Children's entertainment, including the popular Grenfell Lions' Club Jumping Castle.

For more information regarding the 2019 Grenfell Bromar Engineering Rodeo phone 0447 339 493 or visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/grenfellrodeo2017/.

Come along and enjoy all the action of the 2019 Grenfell Rodeo.