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By Mark Brassel

There is no doubt racegoers will be in a festive mood when Wagga stages one of its biggest meetings of the year on Tuesday.

The day features the 31st running of the $40,000 Specsavers Wagga Ted Ryder Cup (1600m) on the Riverside Track with the race always attracting a strong line-up.

“Ted Ryder Cup Day is a special Christmas Eve meeting with fantastic racing, entertainment and giveaways on the day,” said Murrumbidgee Turf Club’s CEO, Jason Ferrario.

“MTC increased prizemoney for the Ted Ryder Cup from $36,000 believing the profile of the race is worthy of such a prizemoney upgrade but importantly, the winner receives a ‘Golden Ticket’ into the Wagga Gold Cup in May.

Kiptanui (Quayde Krogh) takes out last year's Ted Ryder Cup at Wagga. Image by Les Smith

“The victor will be exempt from ballot in the 2025 Wagga Cup.

“Ted Ryder Cup Day is one of our favourite racedays of the year as it not only honours a legend of racing in the Riverina but being on Christmas Eve, everyone is in a fantastic mood.

“For most of the business houses in the area it’s the last day of work for 2024 and in some cases, doors close at lunchtime and what better a place to kick off the Christmas break than an afternoon at the MTC with some top racing, live entertainment and a few well-earned beverages.

“And DJ Leighton Marshall will be keeping everyone entertained between races.”

Ted Ryder was the long-time Sports Editor at the Wagga Daily Advertiser Newspaper and was also the racecaller at Wagga for more than three decades, calling more than 30 Wagga Gold Cups.

The Cup is supported by the second running of the $50,000 Magic Millions January 25 Super Maiden (1200m) and the $27,000 JGW Harvest Crichton Cup (1200m).

“In other news we’ve been allocated an ‘Inglis Xtra Bonus’ of $100,000 for paid up horses that compete in the $50,000 Super Maiden (1200m) programmed for MTC’s 2025 Australia Day meeting,” said Mr Ferrario.

“It’s a great opportunity for a big pay day to winning connections of $122,000 for eligible Inglis-purchased horses.

“MTC is excited to be allocated one of these Inglis Xtra Bonus races and we look forward to attracting a very strong field across the Australia Day long weekend, especially with the carrot that has been dangled, thanks to Inglis.”

Meanwhile, five hours south east on the NSW South Coast will be Tathra Hawaiian Cup Raceday at Sapphire Coast next Sunday.

“Join us for an action packed seven-race TAB meeting and experience a lively atmosphere with bookmakers, bars, food trucks, and a kiosk throughout the day,” said Jen Svenoy, SCTC’s Sponsorship & Marketing Manager.

“Wear your best Hawaiian gear to receive a complimentary drink voucher at the gates which open at 12:30pm.

“There'll be free buses running to and from the track – for bus times and pick-up locations go to our website.

“Bring your friends and family along for a fun and unforgettable day at Sapphire Coast Turf Club.

“Tathra Hawaiian Cup Raceday is proudly sponsored by Tathra Beach Bowlo, Tathra Beach House Apartments, Tathra Beach Country Club, Linray Finance & Leasing, Tathra Little Bottler, Think Pink Plumbing and Elders Tathra.”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Bathurst, Tamworth
Tuesday: Wagga
Thursday: Ballina, Queanbeyan (non-TAB), Wellington (non-TAB), Quirindi (non-TAB), Wauchope (non-TAB), Tumut (non-TAB), Inverell (non-TAB)
Friday: Murwillumbah
Saturday: Gilgandra, Corowa
Sunday: Sapphire Coast, Port Macquarie (Provincial meeting)