Latest News

By Mark Brassel

Capping off a busy week of racing in NSW will be Tamworth Jockey Club’s jewel in its crown, the $150,000 Mercure Tamworth Cup meeting next Sunday.

Sandwiched in the middle of the week is ANZAC Day with nine race meetings scheduled: Kempsey, Armidale, Gosford, Bathurst, Cessnock, Deniliquin, Murwillumbah, Nyngan and Royal Randwick.

The build-up to Tamworth Cup Day commences next Saturday night with a Cup Calcutta in Blazes at Wests.

Rod Laing and Kay Jeffrey with the Tamworth Cup

“It’s going to be a great night and will have something for everyone,” said TJC’s General Manager, Kay Jeffrey.

“This offers a great opportunity for the racing community to come together at a social event, something that is rare within the busy racing calendar.”

The Club has many exciting additions for Sunday’s race meeting including a major Fashions on the Field competition with fantastic prizes up for grabs.

“It’s also a fun family day and we have everything to keep the kids entertained including a jumping castle and face painting. And for those looking to continue the party and celebrate a great day’s racing, Wests Diggers is hosting an after-party on Sunday night.”

TJC has just renewed its partnership with Wests Entertainment Group in a two-year sponsorship deal between the two sporting organisations.

“We believe aligning with Wests is a great step forward and mutually beneficial,” Kay Jeffrey said. “This year’s Mercure Tamworth Cup is worth $150,000 - up $50,000 from last year – and that ensures it will be a good quality race that is sure to attract city class horses from many of the larger stables.”

CEO of Wests Entertainment Group, Rod Laing, said: “Wests Entertainment Group is proud to reunite our association with Tamworth Jockey Club and we’re looking forward to a successful Tamworth Cup weekend.”

View the race details for Tamworth here

Bathurst Thoroughbred Racing will stage its hugely popular Soldier’s Saddle race meeting on Wednesday. The $30,000 Bathurst RSL Soldier’s Saddle (1400m) attracted 22 nominations with final acceptances tomorrow.

In-form galloper Niccobelle has been allotted topweight with 63.5kg, having won the Balmoral Showcase at Muswellbrook before beaten in the final few hops when second in the Guyra Cup at Armidale. The horse has been a revelation in his past two runs, adopting tearaway tactics and establishing at least a six-length break on his rivals turning for home.

“Our Soldier’s Saddle meeting always draws a sizeable crowd,” said BTR’s General Manager, Michelle Tarpenning. “We will have a Fashions on the Field, food stalls, a pop-up beauty bar and entertainment as well as a courtesy bus leaving Bathurst RSL Club at midday.

View the race details for Bathurst here