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By Mark Brassel

Bondi Icebergs is an iconic winter swimming club that famously kicks off the season with each member jumping into the pool carrying a large ice block.

However, the only ice blocks to be seen at Mudgee this Saturday will be in glasses and eskies as Mudgee Race Club celebrates ‘Bondi’.

MRC will hold the Bondi Icebergs Handicap that honours many of the 90-year-old club members attending the race meeting.

Mudgee Race Club hosts a superb race meeting this Saturday. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

They will also race in tandem with Royal Randwick’s brand-new event, the $1 million Bondi Stakes for three-year-olds over 1600m.

“We have an exciting day planned and with many Iceberg members coming up – they have been coming to Mudgee for over 15 years and love the day,” said MRC’s secretary-manager, Colleen Walker.

“In fact, some of the first settlers in the area were the Cox Family with some of them Icebergs and they have been strongly involved in racing in the area for a long time.

“We are really looking forward to the day with live entertainment, a big Fashions on the Field and lots of shade area available.

“Of course, it is also Cox Plate Day so racegoers can cheer home a winner with on-course bookmakers, food and bar facilities, and plenty of fun for the whole family.”

The following day Coonabarabran Jockey Club will this year hold its first Cup day on a Sunday, having usually staged the meeting on a Monday.

“We would like to invite everyone to attend our race meeting at ‘The Friendliest Race Club in the Bush,” quipped CJC’s Sarah Baglee.

“It’s huge prizemoney for a country club with $300,000 up for grabs including the running of the Coonabarabran and Baradine Cups.

“Many families will be attending with a jumping castle and face painting, and the photo marquee is a huge hit with racegoers to capture the day.

“Unfortunately, the drought has knocked us all about, so we hope farmers and friends come and have a day off the farm and be surrounded by people who really care.

“The Fashions on the Field will have something from turf tots, princesses and princes, through to the silver selection for ladies and gents.

“And we’ll have a band for everyone to get up and have a bop!

“This year we’re extremely excited to have Big Sports Breakfast tipster and all-round nice guy, Dave Stanley, on hand, having encouraged him to experience the Coonabarabran Cup.

“There is a welcome BBQ from 3pm on Saturday at the track for visitors and CJC members.

“While the Calcutta is on Saturday night at the Bowling Club and always draws a huge crowd that normally stays on at the Club for the dance afterwards.”

Scone Race Club will hold a ‘Bondi Stakes Eve’ race meeting this Friday [October 25].

“It’s an excellent eight-race Racing NSW Country Showcase meeting with $240,000 in prizemoney on offer,” said SCR’s CEO, Heath Courtney.

“We will be promoting the day in line with the spring carnival theme. It should be an excellent day’s racing.”