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By Mark Brassel

Cupid flies into Muswellbrook on Tuesday with the running of the 2025 TAB Queen of the Valley Matchmaker.

“This is a very special race, given the breeding season is about to begin in the Upper Hunter,” said Muswellbrook Race Club’s GM, Christine Williams.

“The race has attracted a capacity field of 14 mares, and winning owners receive the allotted prizemoney but also have a choice of one stallion nomination from our very generous sponsors.

Aaron Bullock guides home Oakfield Neptune (pale green) on debut at Newcastle. Image by Bradley Photographers

“It ties in nicely for this time of year in our area as the breeding season has started and the stallion parades are usually on the weekend before or after.

“Of the stallions, Widden Stud is offering Anders, Supido, Rebel Dane or Sweet Ride while Vinery has put up Star Turn.

“The Queen of the Valley winner is given first choice of the stallion nominations, then the runner-up chooses before going down the placings until all nominations are taken.

“Owners of the Queen of the Valley Matchmaker winner last year, Lady Soames [trained by Kris Lees and owned by Australian Bloodstock] decided to take the stallion nomination for Headwater who stands at Vinery.

“The owners can use this nomination on their other broodmares and not necessarily the winner of the race.”

One of the favourites for this year’s Matchmaker will be the lightly raced Oakfield Neptune (to be ridden by Aaron Bullock), one of two runners for Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan who also has Smashing Rosie (Jenny Duggan) entered.

Oakfield Neptune has only raced twice, having been impressive on both occasions.

The four-year-old powered home to score at Newcastle on June 28 before third in a strong Class 1 at that course on July 15 after being trapped wide throughout.

Buchanan will be hoping to have better luck than last year when her mare Drama Dodger finished fourth behind Lady Soames.

Bullock also rides the unraced Chess Master for the Buchanan stable, a former Adelaide-trained gelding, in the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association Maiden Plate (1000m).

Meanwhile, it’s free entry for members of registered Clubs between Ulladulla and Narooma at Moruya Jockey Club’s Registered Clubs Day next Sunday.

“This is one of our biggest winter racedays in which all members of the registered Clubs between Ulladulla and Narooma obtain free entry to the races,” said Ken Brown, Executive Officer of Moruya Jockey Club.

“On the day we will not only have a fantastic seven-race card but also a plethora of fantastic food options on site and DJ Entertainment, as well as a jumping castle and face painting for the kids.

“The Fashions on The Field at this meeting is traditionally well patronised with over $1500 in prizes to give away.”

Feature race is the $30,000 South Coast Clubs Cup (1425m) with a total of $221,000 in prizemoney up for grabs.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Goulburn, Lismore
Tuesday: Muswellbrook
Friday: Tamworth, Taree
Saturday: Narrandera, Gilgandra, Bingara (non-TAB)
Sunday: Moruya