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By Mark Brassel

The Newhaven Park Country Championships ‘caravan’ rolls into Mudgee Race Club next Sunday for what will be an excellent day of racing, hospitality and entertainment.

Mudgee’s renowned for its hospitality and with the rugby league Charity Shield being played at Glen Willow the day before, the weekend will be an action-packed and fun time for families, visitors, locals and members.

“Following on from the continued success of the 2022 Mudgee Cup, the Central Districts qualifier of the Country Championships is promising another day of quality racing, entertainment and a Fashions on the Field,” said Damien Toose, Mudgee Race Club’s CEO.

Thumbs up for Mudgee's Country Championships on Sunday. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

“Continuing with our commitment to a friendly, safe and comfortable atmosphere, Mudgee Race Club will again be showcasing a day of great racing, entertainment and catering.

“And we look forward to welcoming our usual mix of members, locals, visitors from near and far, and racing and sporting enthusiasts who will be making the most of their sport filled weekend.

“On the racing front, the day is really exciting and showcases country racing.”

Mudgee is preceded on Saturday by Coffs Harbour Racing Club’s Country Championships Day.

“We’ll have a Country Championships Lawn Party with tickets $50 and it’s set on a prime location,” said Tim Saladine, Coffs Harbour Race Club’s manager.

“The popular two-storey Cloud Nine Bar is back, with live music featuring DJ Dangerwaves mixing some sweet tunes, a private TAB, bar and food facilities.

“There’ll also be delicious Mr Consistent Cocktails and a 360-degree photo booth. For the kids we’ll have jumping castles and face painters.”

Meanwhile, Murrumbidgee Turf Club will recognise the late Tom Patton with a race in his honour on Friday.

A former bookmaker, Tom Patton was born and raised in Wagga and started out as a bookies clerk in 1956. Soon after he gained his bookmakers licence and fielded throughout the Southern Districts until the age of 83.

“Tom Patton’s face was a familiar sight in Wagga’s betting ring for almost six decades and fielded at his last Wagga Cup Carnival in 2013,” said MTC’s CEO, Jason Ferrario.

“Tom passed his legacy on to his son John who is a regular bookmaker at MTC’s bigger racedays.”

Mrs Eunice Patton and the extended family will be in attendance on the raceday.

Also on Friday, Quirindi Jockey Club will be staging its Elders Killara Feedlot Quirindi Cup Day.

“It is a Racing NSW Country Showcase meeting with eight TAB races offering $290,000 in prizemoney,” said Samantha Taylor, QJC’s secretary/manager.

“We’ll also have a Fashions on the Field with bookmakers and full TAB facilities – it should be a great day’s racing!”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Dubbo
Thursday: Goulburn
Friday: Wagga, Quirindi
Saturday: Coffs Harbour*; Coonabarabran, Carrathool (non-TAB), Condobolin picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Mudgee*, Taree
*Denotes Country Championships