judges Jayme Francisco and Janette Booth (now Janette Bishop) at the Cobar Miners Race Club’s May 2018 race meeting. ▪ File photo
A familiar face around the local racing scene will be remembered at this week’s Cobar Miners Race Club picnic races, with Race 5 named in honour of Erica Chambers.
Erica was involved in horseracing for a number of years and worked part time as a farrier for local trainer Wayne ‘WAP’ Prisk.
She also helped out at race meetings working in various roles, including as a Fashions on the Field judge.
Her outgoing personality made her a popular figure.
Erica’s great mate from childhood, Chris Lehmann, who has organised the sponsorship of this year’s race, remembers Erica as a larger-than-life character, always up for a party, a challenge and a bit of fun.
“She was always a happy girl,” Chris said.
The pair grew up on neighbouring properties, went to school together and were mates up until Erica was tragically killed in a quad bike farm accident in 2020.
She was only 29 years old.
Chris said a large group of Erica’s friends and family will be meeting up at the races this weekend to honour her memory.
“She’d made a lot of friendships in various aspects of her life.
“We’ve got people coming from Canberra where she spent a couple of years doing her Farrier apprenticeship.
“And people from Townsville and Wagga Wagga.
“I hope a lot of local people will also come along and have a drink for Erica and share a story,” he said.
