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By Mark Brassel

What does Mudgee and Tuncurry-Forster have in common? They will both be hosting huge Newhaven Park Country Championships racedays this weekend with large crowds a certainty.

Tuncurry-Forster Jockey Club presents just its second Country Championships for the Mid-North Coast region on Saturday, and the Club is anticipating a record-breaking attendance.

The grey Sir Ravanelli (Darryl McLellan) takes out last year's Mid North Coast Country Championships at Tuncurry. Image by Trackside Photography

“We had our biggest ever crowd here for last year’s Country Championships and we’re expecting to beat that this time,” said TFJC’s president, Garry McQuillan.

“It was a Sunday but being run on a Saturday this year will be fantastic as our Saturdays tend to work much better.

“We’ll have at least 14 bookmakers and a couple of TABs operating along with food vans and other outlets.

“On the southern end we have built a great place for racegoers under the shade that can fit 160 people.

“We’ll have a five-piece country outfit, the James Keith Band, who will be banging out country rock tunes.

“There is also an area cornered off for children with rides, fairy floss, slushies and the like, and there’ll be free buses all around the district.

“The whole place is run by volunteers, the only employee we have is the curator. When you’re passionate about something and you put a lot of work into something the results come through.

“My wife Margaet and I even drive up and down the coast delivering raceday posters to any pub or club we can find – we don’t run race meetings, we run events!”

Then on Sunday, Mudgee Race Club will be bustling with the Central Districts Newhaven Park Country Championships.

The raceday follows an exciting clash between NRL stalwarts St George Illawarra Dragons and the Wests Tigers at Glen Willow Sporting Complex the day before.

“The Central Districts is home to a lot of great trainers, horses and jockeys and each year the racing community is excited to get behind the Country Championships,” said Tony Brown, president of Mudgee Race Club.

“We can cheer on the contenders as they battle it out for their chance to reach the Country Championships Final at Randwick on [Saturday] 6 April, and potentially take home some of the outstanding $1 million prizemoney on offer.

“We will provide a high quality eight-race program, TAB facilities, beautiful surrounds and of course full bars and delicious, relaxed catering options with general admission only $25.

“Additionally, this year we will also be hosting a new catered cocktail luncheon from only $75 per ticket, so there really will be something for racegoers of all ages at Mudgee’s Country Championships.

“People should make a long weekend of it by tapping into both the NRL and Country Championships. In fact, everything that our wonderful region has to offer with a genuine welcoming environment.”

Meanwhile, Quirindi Jockey Club presents their showcase event of the year, Elders Killara Feedlot Quirindi Cup Day on Friday.

“Get trackside for one of our biggest days of the year,” said Samantha Taylor, QJC’s secretary/manager.

“We will have a fantastic day of racing for our showcase event of 2024 with eight races on the TAB card and $500 in prizemoney for the Fashions on the Field.

“Racegoers can buy tickets at the gate, but for marquee and under cover seat bookings contact 0408 461 905.”

It is a Racing NSW Country Showcase race meeting offering $310,000 in prizemoney featuring the $50,000 Elders Killara Feedlot Quirindi Cup (1600m).

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Sapphire Coast, Muswellbrook
Thursday: Grafton
Friday: Quirindi
Saturday: Tuncurry-Forster, Orange, Yass picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Mudgee, Wagga