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By Mark Brassel

Narrandera Race Club is having a white-hot crack at ensuring this Sunday’s Narrandera Cup meeting is firmly in the NSW racing spotlight.

The Club has been a tremendous ‘fullback’ for the State’s racing industry after hosting nine washed out and relocated race meetings over the past year.

“Our Club is very keen to work with racing participants and Racing NSW in order to keep racing going any time of year - especially during winter,” said NRC’s Racing Manager, Michael Bailey.

Narrandera Race Club has a huge couple of days planned this weekend. Image by Jeff Hanson

“We thank Racing NSW for entrusting us to stage the nine relocated meetings under pressure circumstances and we are more than willing to do the same this year if required.

“Next Sunday’s Community Bank Narrandera Cup race meeting is shaping to be our most successful ever with a record $300,000 prizemoney and our Cup worth $60,000 - pretty good for a volunteer race club!”

Narrandera Race Club was recognised for their efforts by snaring the Most Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2023 NSW Country & Provincial Awards and also having their Cup raised from $50,000 to $60,000.

The Narrandera Cup is also an eligible race for the $3 million Big Dance at Royal Randwick in November.

The Riverina town of Narrandera moves into top gear on Saturday night with a big Cup Calcutta at Narrandera Ex-Servicemen's Club.

“This will be our second year of holding the Narrandera Cup Calcutta, and it is shaping up to be a huge evening at the Ex-Servicemen’s Club,” Mr Bailey said.

“We will have the meeting preview on the big screen with Sky’s Graeme White who will also be our MC for the night.

“Patrons can book a table for dinner at the Club’s Blue Apron Steakhouse and settle in for the draw and auction before the live entertainment by Just A Girl in the main bar.

“And TAB representatives will be present on the night running promotions including the chance to win two Corporate Hospitality tickets to see Carlton take on Hawthorn at the MCG.

“On Sunday’s raceday we will have a big Fashions on the Field with the chance to win three nights in a 2-bedroom villa at Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island.

“This is thanks to McGrath Riverina, Leeton & Narrandera.”

Meanwhile, Manning Valley Race Club has announced its flagship race, the Taree Gold Cup will this year be run on Friday 18th October.

MVRC added they have secured Sky International as the major sponsor for the Taree Gold Cup.

“We are excited to announce two major changes to our Taree Gold Cup Day - the meeting itself has a new race date and we have secured Sky International as our sponsor,” said MVRC’s Chairman, Greg Coleman.

“The raceday will feature two of the districts long standing Cup races with the Krambach Cup also being run that day.”

Mr Coleman wanted to make special mention of the previous sponsors of the Cup.

“The MVRC would like to pass on its gratitude to the previous Taree Gold Cup long-term sponsors Stacks Law Firm, who have supported the MVRC and the Cup itself over many years.”

Paul McRoberts, Head of Sky International, reiterated the comments of Mr Coleman: “Sky International is thrilled to be partnering with Manning Valley Race Club through the sponsorship of the Taree Gold Cup; this new arrangement underpins Sky’s ongoing support of country racing in NSW.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Albury
Tuesday: Muswellbrook
Thursday: Taree
Friday: Moruya, Scone
Saturday: Cowra, Wean picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Narrandera, Grafton