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By Mark Brassel

Mudgee Race Club received such an overwhelming demand for raceday ticketing, during the week they introduced a new Lawn Marquee for Friday’s 2024 Robert Oatley Mudgee Cup.

“We’re excited to be holding our annual Cup on the first Friday of December with sales of tickets being snapped up very quickly,” declared Mudgee Race Club’s chairman, Tony Brown.

“There was only some general admission tickets left with all current marquees and luncheons selling out. We’ve had to investigate new ticketing options and aside from the Lawn Marquee we have been able to release more general admission tickets at the same time.”

Aaron Bullock returns after guiding Tavi Time to an easy win in last year's Mudgee Cup. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

Situated on the concourse with easy access to food trucks and all the live action of the Mudgee Cup, the new Lawn Marquee offers patrons undercover comfort with seats and tables, entertainment and bar snacks.

Friday’s $75,000 Robert Oatley Mudgee Cup (1400m) also gives eligibility to the $3m Big Dance at Royal Randwick next November.

“Mudgee Cup Day is always a premier raceday and now that the Cup winner earns its place in the highly sought-after Big Dance, the field is certain to be extremely strong,” said Mr Brown.

The Kris Lees-trained Tavi Time was sent out a red-hot $1.65 favourite in last year’s Mudgee Cup and had little problem cruising to a seven-length win.

The gelding went on to finish fourth behind Gringotts in last month’s Big Dance when the $3.50 favourite.

“Our Fashions on the Field will have some great prizes across Best Dressed Lady and Gentleman, Best Millinery, Best Dressed Couple and Best Contemporary Woman.

“It will be a day of excellent racing, live music, fashion and tasty food and beverage offerings, including pre-ordered catering boxes and food trucks with gates opening at midday and free courtesy buses running to and from the local pubs on the day.”

It’s also a Racing NSW Country Showcase race meeting with the eight-race card offering a total of $355,000 in prizemoney.

There are four NSW country races meetings on Saturday with Cooma Monaro Race Club hosting its Cooma Cup Day with a Fashions on the Field, Wild Brumby Bar, hot food and drinks being available along with full betting facilities including a TAB and bookies.

And live music is from up-and-coming country artist/producer Michael Hornemann who commences following the last race.

Also on Saturday is Gunnedah’s ‘Christmas Hams’ race meeting with a Fashions on the Field and a real party atmosphere assured.

Next Sunday is Armidale Cup Day with feature events the $60,000 Tooheys Armidale Cup (1900m) and the $35,000 Armidale Newmarket (1100m).

There will be a Fashions on the Field and live music with renowned local musician Fergus James who has supported Ed Sheeran on tour and appeared recently on Channel 7’s My Kitchen Rules.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Sapphire Coast, Tamworth
Tuesday: Taree, Wellington
Thursday: Coffs Harbour
Friday: Mudgee
Saturday: Albury, Gunnedah, Cowra (non-TAB), Cooma (non-TAB)
Sunday: Armidale