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By Mark Brassel

Taree’s Manning Valley Race Club has devised a “sponsors’ club” with an incredible prize list down to the 80th ticket drawn.

Their new Zulu Club is for sponsors and businesses and offers the chance for naming rights and other excellent prizes.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to join Manning Valley Race Club’s exciting Sponsorship and Networking Club for Manning Valley Businesses,” said MVRC’s executive officer, Helen Sinclair.

“Our exclusive Zulu Club is a unique and cost-effective option for Manning Valley businesses that offer the opportunity for a business to win naming rights.

“The top prize is valued at $9500 and includes naming rights to Taree Cup Day on November 21, MVRC business memberships, tickets to the Chairman’s Luncheon, winning post and mounted yard signage, and extensive advertising through print, radio and TV.”

The Zulu Club draw will be held at the club’s Gala Dinner evening on Friday 10 September in the Winning Post Function Centre at Taree Racetrack.

“Businesses can join the Zulu Club by purchasing a Membership for $595,” Sinclair said. “All businesses will be placed in a draw during the Gala Dinner and each business on the night chooses a race from a selection of racedays during the year.

“The last four businesses drawn will receive a race on Stacks Law Firm Taree Cup Day. The final business drawn will win naming rights to the $50,000 Country Magic race on Taree Cup Day.

“There are prizes right down to 80th drawn and they’re still valuable prizes, with seventh to 80th receiving naming rights and inclusions to a standard race including a hospitality package for two – these are each valued at $1250.

“Aside from being a fantastic way to advertise businesses, it is also a great opportunity for networking with other prominent Manning Valley Business Associates.”

Helen Sinclair explained the origin of ‘Zulu Club’: “The 1881 Melbourne Cup remains famous for one of the most genuine surprises in the race’s history. Zulu was listed in the betting at 100/1 and known as the “lame pony” but won the Melbourne Cup.

“He was a small black horse and despite Zulu’s mediocre racing statistics, he was entered into the Melbourne Cup and reportedly walked behind a sulky from Taree to Melbourne. Though later articles say he was walked to Raymond Terrace and from there taken by boat.

“In the races leading up to the Cup, Zulu performed poorly and was not even expected to start. In the Cup, 33 horses took off and the favourites quickly spread throughout the field.

“As they rounded the far turn Zulu crept up on the inside but owing to his small size and the dust, he was not seen by the spectators until he raced to the front.

“As the field came into the home straight a dog ran onto the track causing three horses to fall including Zulu’s stablemates.

“Zulu continued the race and won with the Manning River community going mad with excitement – the horse’s memory is still revered today.”

For further information on the Zulu Club go to - manningvalleyraceclub.com.au

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Moruya, Tamworth
Tuesday: Albury, Ballina
Thursday: Moree
Friday: Taree, Dubbo
Saturday: Lismore
Sunday: Scone, Narrandera