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By Mark Brassel

It’s been 15 months since it was last run, but the regional city of Armidale is expected to turn out in force for Friday’s Cup Day.

The $60,000 Maria River Cattle Co. Armidale Cup (1400m) has been subject to a date and distance change, with Armidale Jockey Club confident the modifications will be rewarded.

“Previously over 1900m and run in December, the Cup now fits in perfectly as a lead-up to the Muswellbrook Cup a fortnight later,” said Michael Timbrell, GM of AJC.

Armidale Cup Day is back on the agenda this Friday. Image by Bradley Photographers

“This was not an easy decision for the committee, but times have changed and the Club bit the bullet.

“The 1400m is our best starting point with a 400m straight run to the first turn and each horse gets a chance to find their position.

“It also makes more sense over 1400m as a qualifier for the [$3m] Big Dance and we get to start 14 horses instead of a maximum of 12 from the 1900m.

“And it provides Uni of New England students the opportunity to participate in the celebrations, something that was missing when the Cup was in December.”

AJC has $305,000 in prizemoney on the day including the $50,000 Armidale Services Club Super Maiden (1100m) and the $35,000 De Bortoli Wines Newmarket (1100m).

“We have some excellent hospitality packages, a Fashions on the Field and live music,” said Timbrell.

“There is an exclusive VIP marquee that includes entry, access to the beautifully appointed enclosure with uninterrupted views, and a two-course smorgasbord luncheon with a four-hour drinks package for $160.

“Another option is The Birdcage with reserved seating under a gazebo, or umbrella sites – there’s a lot to choose from.”

Meanwhile on Sunday the $150,000 Evergreen Turf Country Championships (1400m) will now be run at Dubbo Racecourse.

The move is due to difficulties with track preparation occasioned by a lack of recent rain and effects of reliance on effluent water.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Thursday: Wagga
Friday: Armidale
Saturday: Ballina, Berrigan (non-TAB), Crookwell picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Dubbo, Grafton