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The Murrumbidgee Turf Club will see race goers fly through the gate this Saturday from 12.00pm for the return of Country Championships Race Day including the Southern District Racing Association (SDRA) Country Championships and the Party on the Paddock DJ Precinct, headlining International DJ CYRIL.

The SDRA Country Championships will see locally trained horses battle head-tohead to secure a spot at the $1m final at Royal Randwick. History shows promising results with the Doug Gorrel trained Asgarda taking home the win in 2024 and the Gary Colvin trained Another One securing the win in 2022.

Local contenders include the Tim Donnelly trained County Kilkenny (IRE) who has successfully drawn barrier one as well Scott Spackman, who has two runners, Dolly and Just Google Me, who are hopeful to secure the golden ticket to the $1m race at Royal Randwick in early April.

Local trainer Maddy Collins is looking forward to seeing Future Fund who has drawn barrier six and would be thrilled to take home the Qualifier.

“It would be pretty incredible and would be the biggest race that our stable has won, my partner Josh Richards rides Future Funds track work and we have a wonderful ownership group including my mum and best friend Kirsty.”

Trainer Tim Donnelly has a runner in Saturday's SDRA Country Championships (Pic: Bradley Photos)

The Tom Patton Cup will run at 4.20pm and will see 2024 MTC Horse of the Year Mathrin compete against locally trained Taumata (NZ) and Notes (NZ) which will see a great showdown of local and interstate talent.

Keen racegoers will see 7 Horse Racing presenter Emily Riordan on course throughout the day highlighting her pick of the yard as well as mingling in the Racing NSW Marquee and soaking up all that the MTC has to offer.

MTC CEO, Jason Ferrario is excited to see the return of the Country Championships at the MTC and is looking forward to the day.

“To be selected to host the one of the Country Championships Qualifiers this year is an amazing opportunity for our club. With crowd numbers increasing on a yearly basis, it is exciting to be able to showcase our venue, and what a better way than on Country Championships Day.”
The return of Party on the Paddock DJ Precinct will see a festival like experience held at the southern end of the straight seeing International DJ CYRIL taking center stage after the last.

Dominating the charts in 2024, locally raised CYRIL topped the Airplay Charts with his remix of Suzi Quatro and Chris Norman’s 70s hit ‘Stumblin In’ which spent eight weeks at #1.

Producer and Event Promoter Matt Luff is beyond excited to host Cyril at the MTC, “his energy, music, and global reach make him the perfect headliner for what promises to be an incredible day.”

“I can’t wait to see CYRIL’s electrifying performance, which will no doubt make an unforgettable Country Championships Race Day.”

The sold-out Grandview Marquee will be in full swing, with race goers enjoying premium trackside views, a buffet lunch and private bar. Proceeds from the ticket sales, plus an auction and raffle will raise funds for the family of Jack Greaney, who was involved in a tragic farming accident late last year that sadly took his life. Jack leaves behind his wife Chloe, and three young sons Harry (5), Ted (4) and Billy (2).

MTC Director Angus Lamont is proud to be in partnership with the Greaney family on Country Championships Race Day.

“Being able to support the Greaney family on this occasion is a great opportunity and we are so thankful for the generous auction and raffle items that have been kindly donated by the local Wagga community.”

“Supporting our community members when the unimaginable hits is important and we are looking forward to raising funds and awareness as well as welcoming Chloe and her family to the Grandview Marquee on Country Championships Race Day.”

There will be no shortage of entertainment including a Kids Area with free amusements by the team from Jumping Beans, free slushes and other activities throughout the day.

Bars will be in operation in general admission until 5.45pm and for those wanting to dance the night away, bars will be in operation in Party on the Paddock Precinct for ticket holders until 7.00pm.

Complimentary buses will be departing from CSU campus from 12.45pm onwards as well as departing the Slocum Street exit from 5.30pm until 7.45pm taking racegoers downtown.

Proudly supported by the City of Wagga Wagga and Gordon’s Pink Gin, the MTC are thrilled with the return of Country Championships Day and look forward to hosting one of the largest Country Championships Days yet.

Direct donations to the Greaney Family are available via this LINK.