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By Mark Brassel

The popular coastal town of Port Macquarie will stage its biggest social event of the year with more than $525,000 prizemoney on offer for Friday’s Cup Day.

“Port Macquarie Cup Day is the ultimate day to dress up, celebrate and enjoy some top-class racing,” declared Nardi Beresford, CEO of Port Macquarie Race Club.

A large crowd will be in attendance at this Friday's Carlton Dry 3.5% Port Macquarie Cup Day

The eight-race program is headed by the $200,000 Carlton Dry 3.5% Port Macquarie Cup (2000m) with the victor eligible for the $3m Big Dance at Royal Randwick on 4 November.

Support races include the $80,000 Birdon Group Port Macquarie Sprint (1200m) and the $50,000 Munday Construction Super Maiden (1200m).

“We’ll have all the action with a giant on-track screen with bars and food offerings galore including mouthwatering creations,” said Beresford.

“There is also the popular Gowings Port Central Fashions on the Field with $5000 in prizes featuring multiple categories and fantastic prizes. And note raceday tickets are available exclusively online.

“On the Thursday night we have our Cup Calcutta at Port City Bowling Club hosted by Sky Sports Radio’s Dave Stanley with special guests.

“There will be live music and entertainment, complimentary nibbles, a Calcutta ticket draw and a live auction with lucky door prizes.”

It’s a two-day feast with Port Macquarie racing the following day on Saturday with a seven-race TAB program featuring the $27,000 Beachfront Bar & Grill at Port City Bowling Club Handicap (1200m).

Meanwhile, winners of the 2025 NSW Country Racing Awards have been announced with Rod Watt presented with the Simon Nivison Special Achievement Award.

Other winners were: Dubbo Turf Club (Country TAB Race Club of the Year, Cat A); Sapphire Coast Turf Club (Country TAB Race Club of the Year, Cat B & C); Bong Bong Picnic Race Club (Outstanding Achievement Award for Community & Picnics); Matthew Dunn (Country Trainer of the Year); Aaron Bullock (Country Jockey of the Year); Siena Grima (Country Apprentice Jockey of the Year) and Leandro Ribeiro (Country Approved Rider of the Year).

Next Sunday is Geronimo New Holland Coonamble Cup Day with the $75,000 Cup over 1600m also carrying eligibility for the $3m Big Dance at Randwick.

The Cup is supported by the $37,000 Coonamble Showcase Crystal Sprint (1200m) and $50,000 Super Maiden (1300m).

“We’ll have a Fashions on the Field with a spring theme,” said Ana Robson, Coonamble Jockey Club’s Secretary.

And tomorrow’s NSW public holiday will see Muswellbrook Race Club present their annual Coolmore Denman Cup Day.

“This is the 30th year of Coolmore sponsoring the raceday,” said MRC’s GM, Christine Williams.

“We have a family day to coincide with school holidays and have introduced two epic gaming stations where racing participants can battle it out with friends.

“There is face painting and a jumping castle for the young children and live music from The Twisted Duo, featuring local artist Shyanne Irwin and Nikeisha Priest, who was an Australian Idol contestant.”

Muswellbrook also races on Monday 20 October with a regular eight-race TAB meeting.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Muswellbrook
Tuesday: Goulburn
Thursday: Orange
Friday: Port Macquarie, Canberra (ACT)
Saturday: Port Macquarie, Albury, Forbes, Young picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Coonamble, Queanbeyan