By Mark Brassel
The sun’s out and summer is well and truly powering along at the south coast town of Moruya with three huge race meetings over the next five weeks.
Moruya Jockey Club’s carnival commences next Sunday with Tyre Torque Batemans Bay Narooma Cup Day.
“Not only is there a sensational eight-race card program planned but there’s also plenty of happenings on course for those who want to come out for what is a great country raceday experience,” declared Ken Brown, MJC’s Executive Officer.
“It features a plethora of fantastic local cuisine options as well as the coveted Fashions on the Field of which this year’s theme is ‘Christmas’.
“We also have plenty for the kids such as face painting and a jumping castle making it a great occasion for a family day out.
“This is the perfect excuse for a pre-Christmas escape to the Eurobodalla region with buses from Narooma, Tuross and Batemans Bay.
“Food stalls include South Coast Oysters, Cut ‘N’ Run pizzas, Rotary Kiosk, Caffeissimo Coffee, Jimmys Hot Dogs and Reggies Ice Creams.
“Our supporters include Tyre Torque (major sponsor), Harcourts, Dalmeny IGA, Onecall Steel and Form, Stitching Sisters Narooma, Power FM / 2EC, Mitre 10 Narooma, Camerons H Hardware.”
Moruya then cranks it up on Monday 6 January with North Ryde RSL Moruya Cup Day, the $65,000 feature race being a qualifier for the $3m Big Dance at Royal Randwick next November.
Moruya’s final summer meeting is a Family Raceday on Friday 17 January.
Meanwhile, Goulburn Race Club will close out the calendar year in style with its Christmas Raceday on Friday.
Goulburn Race Club’s CEO, Robyn Fife said the ‘Christmas at the Races’ event is an ideally timed raceday for the club.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to get together with family, friends or colleagues and toast the festive season,” Ms Fife said.
“Lots of businesses use the day as their Christmas party and its always such a fun, laid back vibe at this time of the year.
“Trackside we will have quality live racing action, food and drink vendors, live entertainment and return courtesy buses from the CBD.
“The race program on the day includes the Fred Cooper Cup, the 15th edition of the race named in honour of ‘Freddie’ or ‘Super Cooper’ as he was often known.”
The race recognises one of the Club’s biggest personalities and favourite sons who passed away in August 2022.
GRC’s President, Ken Ikin said: “Fred was such an integral part of our club for a long time. His leadership and can-do attitude remain invaluable contributions to our club’s development.
“Fred’s years of dedicated of service included 21 years as President, a decade as Vice President and a committee role for another nine. He was also a previous recipient of the Simon Nivison award for services to racing.”
Nominations for Goulburn’s Christmas at the Races program close at 11am tomorrow.
UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Kempsey, Orange
Tuesday: Scone
Wednesday: Queanbeyan
Friday: Goulburn, Lismore
Saturday: Dubbo
Sunday: Moruya, Taree