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By Mark Brassel

The ‘Queen’ returns to her throne at Port Macquarie on Friday when the $65,000 Queen of the North (1200m) is run for the first time at the course since 2023.

Due to course renovations the race was not run last year with the event now welcoming a new sponsor with Panthers Port Macquarie taking over the naming rights.

“We’re excited that this year the Queen of the North is sponsored by Panthers Port Macquarie, and it will also be Ladies Day!” said Nardi Beresford, CEO of Port Macquarie Race Club.

“All ladies will be offered free entry and a champagne on arrival, and we’ll also have the best dressed lady and best fascinator prizes as well as music throughout the afternoon with top quality racing.”

Entry is also free to Panthers Port Macquarie Members by showing their membership card at the gates (to purchase tickets CLICK HERE).

“There will be something for everyone with Char Bar Catering serving up delicious food, and lawn games to keep the littles ones entertained.

“The [Panthers] Queen of the North is sure to attract the region’s best fillies and mares with more than $175,000 in prizemoney being offered on the day.”

Further ahead, Port Macquarie has the hosting rights to the $150,000 Mid North Coast Country Championships series opener, returning for the first time since 2019.

“We will hold the Championships race on Sunday February 16, and it will showcase the region,” said Nardi.

“The top two finishers qualify for the [$1 million] Country Championships Final at Royal Randwick in April.

“Being a Sunday, people will come for the weekend, and it should lift our economy with accommodation and businesses such as the clubs, pubs and cafes.

“The upgraded track has been going well, and the Club is planning to make the Country Championships a real ‘showcase event’ including a lawn party similar to Port Macquarie Cup Day.”

Meanwhile, next Sunday’s Australia Day will feature an excellent program of racing at Wagga.

“Our Club has been allocated an ‘Inglis Xtra Bonus’ of $100,000 for paid up horses that compete in the $50,000 Super Maiden [1200m] on the day,” said Murrumbidgee Turf Club’s CEO, Jason Ferrario.

“It’s a great opportunity for a big pay day of $122,000 for eligible Inglis purchased horses and we look forward to attracting a very strong field, especially with the carrot that has been dangled thanks to Inglis.

“We’ll have free kids’ entertainment including a kids’ sausage sizzle, slushies, pony rides, amusements including a foam cannon, a mega slide, games and prizes.

“We have seven races including the $27,000 Tooheys Australia Day Cup [2000m] and live music from ‘travelling pub singer and guitar slinger’ Aaron Oldaker.”

Support races on the day include the $27,000 Wagga Scamper (1000m) and two $30,000 Country Boosted events over 1000m and 1400m. To purchase tickets CLICK HERE

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Albury, Gunnedah
Thursday: Tamworth
Friday: Port Macquarie, Queanbeyan
Saturday: Murwillumbah, Parkes, Deepwater (non-TAB)
Sunday: Wagga