Snow’s memory lives on for cup day

A man well known in the region has been commemorated with a trophy named in his memory.

Clarence Carrigan was lovingly known as ‘Snow’ from an early age due to the colour of his hair.

His name is now associated with horse racing expertise due to his years as a jockey, trainer and supporter of the industry.

An elegant set of trophies were proudly on display at the Boggabri Cup on Saturday.

The perpetual memorial cup will feature the names of upcoming winners for years to come.

Alongside the perpetual trophy includes the winning trophy for the owner, jockey and the trainer.

Snow’s riding colours, royal blue, white and golden yellow, were represented on the ribbons attached to the trophies.

These cups commemorate his riding spirit that lives on in the Gunnedah region and with his family who continues his legacy.

The inscriptions etched on the trophies read ‘The Snow Carrigan Memorial – Owner, Jockey, Veteran. He truly loved the spirit of racing”.

The trophies also refer to his time served in World War II in New Guinea as a part of the AIF in August 1942 as reported by the Namoi Valley Independent. His later return to his father’s property in 1945 was a reintroduction into the sport of horse racing.

With horses and farming a part of his life from a young age, it is no surprise he identified with the sport of horse racing.

His passion progressed in 1946 when he became the most successful amateur jockey in the North West and once rode 23 winning horses within one season.

His success continued in 1950 when he won the Wean Cup while riding Tempest King and a year later the Wean Bracelet on Lord George.

The Carrigan name became synonymous with all things professional horse racing, from trainers to jockeys within Boggabri.

His winning streak was halted in 1954 when he had a tragic fall which had resulted in a broken jaw, arm injuries and a concussion, ending his active riding career.

He had already backed 300 winners at amateur meeting and won 30 ‘whips’ for most successful rider before his retirement.

However, his involvement in horse racing was never lost as he became a large supporter of the Wean picnic  races, which is held annually near Gunnedah.

His final years were spent in Alkira, where he was adored amongst staff and residents before passing away at the age of 102 in 2021.

Boggabri and Gunnedah have made it evident they have not forgotten the man who shaped the region’s racing.