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By Mark Brassel

The central districts town of Mudgee is well-known for great wine and food, but its horse racing that will take centre stage this Friday.

With many COVID restrictions lifted, Mudgee folk and visitors from around the state will be geared up for Oatley Wines Mudgee Cup Day.

There'll be some great racing action at Mudgee's Cup Day on Friday. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

The celebrations kick off with the popular Cup Calcutta held on Thursday night at what is fondly known as ‘The Ori’ or Oriental Hotel.

Then to cup day where Mudgee Race Club is expecting one of its largest crowds for several years.

“We are thrilled that after reduced ticket sales in 2020 due to COVID, the Mudgee Cup is returning bigger and better than ever with thousands expected to join in the fun and celebrations of the day,” said MRC’s manager, Belinda Holden.

“Patrons can expect a great line up of entertainment, food options and, of course, some premier horse racing.

“In addition to the club’s kiosk, there will be a fried chicken food truck, Lawson Park Hotel’s BBQ stall and a coffee and pastry stand by Mudgee Corner Store.

“There are 15 sponsors for the Fashions on the Field and as always, the club is very grateful for the local business community’s support with a great array of prizes for those who choose to dress up and enter on the day.

“And we have musical entertainment from Isaac Grouse and Phat Brass.

“The track is looking amazing after recent rain and the club is also undergoing a rebrand which we will launch on the day via our new website and logo, which is exciting for us all.

“We can’t wait to welcome all of our regular racegoers, our annual Mudgee Cup guests and VIPs and the many visitors who will witness country racing at its finest in Mudgee.

“And after the dust has settled from Mudgee Cup Day, we will also look forward to hosting the Newhaven Park Country Championships Qualifier on Sunday February 27.

“It will be another great day of racing and a true celebration of regional horse racing – tickets for that meeting are also available on 123tix.”

Friday’s meeting is a Racing NSW Country Showcase program that will offer more than $335,000 in prizemoney. The feature is the $75,000 Robert Oatley Wines Cup (1600m) supported by the $50,000 Mudgee Cup Day Showcase Sprint.

Meanwhile, the girls will be out in force at Shoalhaven City Turf Club’s Nowra Cup Day next Sunday (5 December): “It’s themed the Girls Day Out Raceday and we have a prize pool of more than $6000 for the Fashions on the Field,” said SCTC’s CEO, Paul Weekes.

“There is a range of raceday packages available with a Champagne and Oyster Bar, as well as a TAB and bookmakers. We are just crossing our fingers and toes the weather is kind to us as we’ve had no luck of late.”

Cisco Bay and Robbie Dolan combined to take out last year’s Nowra Cup for the Gerald Ryan/Sterling Alexiou stable.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Taree, Sapphire Coast
Tuesday: Tamworth
Thursday: Coffs Harbour
Friday: Mudgee
Saturday: Albury, Gunnedah, Cooma (non-TAB)
Sunday: Nowra