Latest News

By Mark Brassel

Mudgee in the Central West of NSW has become known for gourmet food and wine experiences, outstanding accommodation … and horse racing.

On Friday, Mudgee Race Club kicks off the festive month of December with its flagship event, the $75,000 Robert Oatley Mudgee Cup.

Mudgee will be the place to be this Friday. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

“In Mudgee we are blessed with eight racedays a year where our community, visitors, seasonal racegoers and first timers come together for a great day out at the beautiful Mudgee Racecourse,” said Tony Brown, President of Mudgee Race Club.

“And the [$150,000] Country Championships Qualifier on Sunday February 25 will provide racegoers, fashion fans and lovers of a wonderful day out with the perfect excuse to head trackside.

“While all of our race meetings attract a high calibre of horses, trainers and jockeys, both of our major events take it to the next level, enticing premier entrants and a competitive race program for racing enthusiasts,” Brown added.

“In addition to the horse races themselves, the Mudgee Cup and Country Championships also provide many trackside activities including the highly contested Fashions on the Field competitions.

“A variety of ticketing and catering options for attendees also means that anyone looking to experience a very enjoyable and memorable country race meeting can do so in the manner that they like.

“We expect that keeping with its tradition of being our largest annual raceday that the Mudgee Cup will once again attract thousands of attendees, both new and old, and we are looking forward to another great day out.

“As per last year we will once again be limiting ticket numbers to ensure that safety and comfort of all patrons, crowd control and access to all food and beverages, seating and facilities is manageable and guarantees everyone’s enjoyment.”

Tickets for the Mudgee Cup can be found at mudgeeraceclubinc.com until sold out, with the 2024 Country Championships coming on sale next week.

Tomorrow afternoon Sapphire Coast Turf Club hosts their annual Restaurant’s Raceday with a large group of hospitality staff heading out to the course on their day off.

“It’s a popular day with Christmas parties and free buses running to and from the track,” said Jen Svenoy, SCTC’s Sponsorship & Marketing Manager.

“Gates open at 1pm and we’ll have a kiosk and bar facilities on course with a TAB and bookmakers.

“We have reserved seating for just $55 that includes entry to the course and the Sponsors Lounge, two drinks tickets and a racebook.

“The day is proudly sponsored by Grand Matriarch Distillery, Tilba Valley Winery & Alehouse, MorMors Cafe, Bar Monti, Sapphire Coast EAT Festival and Duci’s Italian Restaurant.”

Highly consistent gelding Master Joe will be one of the fancies for the Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant Handicap (1000m) with Nick Heywood aboard, having been runner-up at Canberra and Queanbeyan following a first-up victory at Goulburn.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Sapphire Coast, Taree
Tuesday: Albury, Tamworth
Thursday: Coffs Harbour
Friday: Mudgee
Saturday: Wagga (Riverside Track), Kempsey, Gunnedah, Cooma (non-TAB)
Sunday: Armidale