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By Mark Brassel

Taree in the north and Queanbeyan in the south will play starring roles this Sunday with a massive $610,000 in prizemoney on offer for the two Racing NSW Country Showcase meetings.

Manning Valley Race Club presents Taree Cup Day that kicks off with Saturday’s Cup Calcutta at Manning Hotel commencing at 6:30pm.

The function is hosted by Murray Nelson from 2RE/MAX FM with canapes, a phantom call and an auction, with proceeds to Westpac Helicopter.

“We have an amazing day planned with a syncopated apprentice jazz band playing on arrival, three bars serving and food vans on-site from midday to 7pm,” said MVRC’s executive officer, Helen Sinclair.

“And Jake Davey will be providing live music between 6 and 7pm – he hails from the Mid North Coast is one of Australia’s brightest, emerging talents.

“Jake’s still in his early 20s, is a singer-songwriter and is also an accomplished producer who runs his own studio.”

The club will be providing free gate entry between 5 to 7pm with free buses from Harrington, Forster and Wingham.

Both Mister Smartee (Krambach Cup winner) and Camp Rifle (Kempsey Cup) are exempt from ballot for the $100,000 Stacks Law Firm Taree Cup (2000m) for their respective wins.

The Cup is supported by the $50,000 Country Magic (1250m) and the $35,000 Mann Lightning Handicap (1000m).

In tandem with Taree on Sunday will be Queanbeyan Cup Day, featuring the $45,000 Cup (2000m), the $35,000 Thunderbolt Sprint (1000m) and the $35,000 Golden Nugget (1000m).

Queanbeyan Racing Club’s CEO, Brendan Comyn said: “We haven’t been granted a Showcase meeting previously so it’s fantastic news.

“The meeting should attract horses from stables like the Gai Waterhouse (& Adrian Bott) camp and Bjorn Baker; this will also increase our betting turnover.”

Meanwhile, this Saturday (20 November) is Geoff King Motors Macksville Cup Day at Bowraville Racecourse.

Nambucca River Jockey Club’s secretary, Geoff Harris is expecting a good-sized crowd: “At this point, displaying the double vax is necessary.

“But we have no capacity issues as we operate in a large open area. Gates open at 11am and we’ll have corporate packages available with wrist bands to be issued.

“It’s a five-race program with free buses departing Nambucca Heads RSL and Bowra Street at 11am and from 11:30am at Macksville Post Office.

“The day is proudly sponsored by Geoff King Motors, Sable Engineering and Metaland, Bernard Laverty Funerals, Macksville Heights Estate and XXXX Gold.”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Thursday: Quirindi
Friday: Grafton, Orange
Saturday: Inverell, Bowraville (non-TAB), Cowra (non-TAB), Tumut (non-TAB)
Sunday: Taree, Queanbeyan