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By Mark Brassel

Scone’s Cup Carnival is regarded as Australia’s most prestigious two-day country carnival with a couple of afternoons filled with outstanding racing and high-quality hospitality on Friday and Saturday.

The Carnival brings a massive boost to the local economy and to the region’s enormous Thoroughbred racing industry.

Major sponsor Darley heads into their eighth year of sponsorship at Scone with tickets to the two days the most sought-after ticket in town.

The Darley Scone Cup Carnival features six Stakes races and nearly $2.5 million in prizemoney with $700,000 in stakes on Scone Cup Day and the following day a Saturday Stand-Alone ‘Metropolitan status’ meeting that offers $1.77 million in prizemoney.

“The two-day Darley Scone Cup Carnival is the jewel in the crown of country racing in NSW,” said Scone Race Club’s CEO, Jason Hill.

“We’ve received tremendous support over the years from the industry, our partners, members and the local community.

“We hope to do that support justice by putting on a fantastic carnival for our local supporters and for those visiting us from further afield.

“There has been an amazing amount of interest in our Carnival with hospitality packages on Friday’s Darley Scone Cup Day already sold out, however, there are still options available for Saturday.

“Our Club’s charter buses will be available from Scone, Aberdeen and Muswellbrook train stations and GA tickets are $20 but in short supply so anyone wanting to attend should get online at sconeraceclub.com.au before both days sell out.”

The following day Parkes Jockey Club has arranged a fantastic afternoon as Parkes Cup Day doubles as a ‘Flood Relief Fun Day’ with ample entertainment.

“Thanks to funding support from the Western NSW Primary Health Network, our Parkes Cup meeting will have a festival feel,” said PJC’s president, Alex Prout.

“The main aim is to give back to the flood-affected communities of Eugowra, Canowindra, Molong, Forbes and Parkes.

“Unfortunately, many members of these communities are yet to return to their homes since the 2022 floods, so our goal is to provide a free social event for these communities to enjoy.

“It’s free entry to the eight-race TAB program carrying $276,000 in prizemoney and all kids’ activities are free including inflatables, soft play, a photo booth, laser tag, mini golf, arcade games and face painting.

“We’ll have live music by HUSHY, along with community market stalls, big screens, lucky gate prizes, a bar and bookies, with VIP packages available.”

Feature events are the $36,000 Parkes Services Club Parkes Cup (1600m) and the $50,000 Super Maiden Showcase Plate (1400m).

And yesterday’s Marthaguy picnic races have been moved following the wet weather resulting in certain parts of the track unsuitable for racing and a forecast for further rainfall.

The Marthaguy meeting has now been rescheduled to Saturday 29th June.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Muswellbrook
Tuesday: Kempsey
Thursday: Grafton
Friday: Scone
Saturday: Scone (Metro status), Wauchope (non-TAB), Cootamundra (non-TAB), Brewarrina (non-TAB)
Sunday: Parkes, Queanbeyan