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By Mark Brassel

Coffs Harbour, a popular holiday region on the NSW North Coast, will host its 19th Annual Pink Silks race meeting on Sunday.

“The day attracts a very big crowd and everyone dresses in pink so it’s quite a spectacular sight,” said Tim Saladine, Coffs Harbour Racing Club’s GM.

“There will be a Fashions on the Field, kids’ entertainment, various hospitality options, raffles and merchandise sales to raise funds.

“And to top it off there’s a live auction at the end of the day, along with seven thrilling races.

Pink's the colour at Coffs Harbour on Sunday and dressing the part last year were Sky Racing presenters Priscilla Looker (left) and Melinda Turner

“We’re set to reach $1.5 million in funds raised since the inception of Pink Silks Day which is supported by over 50 local or national businesses and individuals.”

Feature races are the $27,000 Wayne Glenn Pink Silks Cup (1200m), $50,000 Super Maiden Plate (1000m) and the $27,000 Pink Silks Handicap (1300m).

Coffs Harbour Pink Silks Trust is a local registered charity committed to raising awareness and funds for local women who are challenged by cancer or illness.

The Trust also provides much needed equipment and services as well as contributing to national research foundations.

January is a busy time for Manning Valley Race Club at Taree with three excellent race meetings starting on Tuesday (Race 1-1:15pm), as well as Sunday 19 January and Friday 31 January.

“Get along to Bushland Drive Racecourse for three summer holiday race meetings showcasing great summer racing and loads of outstanding country hospitality,” said Damien Toose, MVRC’s CEO.

“Starting Tuesday, we will be hosting the 2025 Harrington Hotel Harrington Cup meeting which is renowned as one of our biggest meetings of the year. As in the past, this meeting is a perfect way to get the year off to a flyer!

“We then race again on Sunday January 19 and finish the month on Friday January 31 with the running of the Country Championships Preview race for the Mid North Coast region.

“There’s no better way to enjoy the surf and turf that the Manning Valley region has to offer than by getting trackside in January to Manning Valley Race Club.”

Heat 9 of the Racing NSW Rising Star Apprentice Series will be on Tuesday’s Taree program followed by Heat 10 at Wagga on Thursday.

Mollie Fitzgerald currently leads the Series with 11 points from Siena Grima (10pts), and Liam Blanch, Jessica Brookes and Olivia Dalton all on nine points.

Fitzgerald is enjoying a fantastic season and leads the NSW Jockeys’ Premiership with 53½ winners in advance of Jean Van Overmeire (53 wins), Nick Heywood (52) and James McDonald (48).

The 22-year-old is a ‘mile’ in front of the nearest apprentices Benjamin Osmond (33 wins) and Siena Grima (31).

Heat 11 of the Rising Star Series will be held at Wellington on Tuesday 14 January.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Moruya, Tamworth
Tuesday: Taree
Thursday: Wagga, Ballina
Friday: Orange
Saturday: Queanbeyan, Glen Innes
Sunday: Coffs Harbour, Nowra