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By Mark Brassel

Country racing heads to the city on Saturday – to be precise, the City of Newcastle.

Jungle Juice Cup Day was first held in 1981 and will be staged at Broadmeadow Racecourse for just the third occasion following the closure of Cessnock Racetrack.

The Jungle Juice Cup’s history dates to when Mel Jurd developed Dr Jurd’s Jungle Juice at his Wollombi Tavern in the late 1950s.

Robert Thompson - the 'Legend of the Jungle Juice Cup' - presents the trophy to Jess Taylor after her win on Russley Crown. Image by Bradley Photographers

More than four decades since it was first run, the race named after Dr Jurd’s fortified wine and brandy ‘concoction’ is still going strong albeit at a different venue.

Saturday’s $50,000 Jungle Juice Cup (1350m) was ‘owned’ by champion jockey Robert Thompson when held at Cessnock where he won the race an incredible 11 times.

And Newcastle Jockey Club has further boosted the program by adding the $45,000 Cessnock Cup (1890m) to the day.

“Our Club is embracing a Country Music theme featuring live performances throughout the afternoon and after the final race,” said Megan Hawkins, NJC’s Racing Operations Supervisor.

“We have a fantastic country music line-up including Nikiesha Priest and Viper Creek Band, so be sure to get your boots scootin’ for plenty of action during the day and after the last.

“We’ll have several buses making the journey from Cessnock, bringing fans together for a memorable celebration all while watching the TAB Everest on the big screen.”

And in place of Cessnock Cup’s traditional late October date, NJC has introduced the Wine Country Cup (2100m) run on the Beaumont Track on Monday 27 October.

“This wine-themed raceday is expected to receive strong support from Hunter Valley wineries with Hungerford Hill proudly holding naming rights to the Cup.”

The day prior on Friday, the focus will be on Taree with the running of the Sky International Taree Gold Cup at Manning Valley Race Club.

Also featured will be the Bakewell Haulage Krambach Cup, Taree Kia Manning Lightning and Alan Bakewell Memorial Krambach Sprint.

“Last year was the first time we held the both the Taree and Krambach Cups on the same day, and it was a fantastic success,” said Damien Toose, MVRC’s CEO.

“Supported by the Manning Lightning and the Krambach Sprint, we were able to provide a day for owners and trainers to bring their open class horse from 1000m up to 2000m.

“On top of that, having a $50,000 Super Maiden just adds to the excitement of a great day of racing.

“Leading into this fabulous meeting is the Taree Gold Cup Calcutta the night before at Club Taree plus a Fashions on the Field on Cup Day.

“There’s plenty of space for everyone so come along and enjoy some top country racing and hospitality.”

Meanwhile, next Sunday is Mollymook Cup Day: “This is always a great day out at Shoalhaven City Turf Club’s Nowra Racecourse and this year’s running will be no exception,” declared said Paul Weekes, SCTC’s CEO.

“Our Club will again be partnering with Pink Up Berry and the McGrath Foundation and all proceeds from gate admissions and umbrella package sales will be donated to the McGrath Foundation.

“Umbrella packages on the lawn are always a popular option, and it is a great time to soak up spring racing at its best.

“We are doing a Fashions on the Field with a pink theme and there are plenty of prizes and also free train rides for the kids.

“On the program are memorial races for former committee men, Michael Locke and Eddie Latta as well as the late iconic local trainer, Bede Murray.

“Admission is just $10, concession $5 and members are free with a TAB and bookmakers and a free bus from Berry.”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Tuesday: Armidale, Murwillumbah
Thursday: Goulburn
Friday: Taree, Bathurst
Saturday: Wagga-Riverside, Narromine, Inverell (non-TAB), Deniliquin (non-TAB), Bombala (non-TAB), Wauchope (non-TAB)
Sunday: Nowra, Lismore