If plucky mare Swamp Nation can defend her Country Championships crown at Tuncurry on Sunday it would mean the world to trainer Glen Milligan.

The racing industry is mourning the passing of Taree trainer Bob Milligan who died earlier this morning.

Local trainer Bob Milligan will be hoping last year's runner-up, seven-year-old Texas Storm, will go one better and win the $29,000 Wingham Services Wingham Cup (1600m) at Manning Valley Race Club's meeting at Taree on Friday.

On Monday, Newcastle Jockey Club's Beaumont Track will host its first race meeting since February 2020 and it is a cracking country class program.

Formidable opposition from Canberra and Sydney may not be enough to upset honest Taree gelding Texas Storm's shot at winning the $32,000 Wauchope RSL Club Wauchope Cup (1450m) at Warwick Park Racecourse, Kempsey, on Sunday.