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By Mark Brassel

A huge month for Muswellbrook Race Club kicks off on Sunday when the Club stages its first Evergreen Turf Country Championships.

“This is the first time since 2021 that our Club has hosted a Country Championships race, but that was the Wildcard,” said MRC’s GM, Christine Williams.

March will be a busy month for Muswellbrook Race Club. Image by Bradley Photographers

“We are absolutely delighted to be part of this wonderful concept again and to be holding our first $150,000 Championships Qualifier is a big thrill.

“And just 19 days later we have our [$150,000] Acorp Muswellbrook Gold Cup Day. The track was renovated in November and has come back in superb condition, so the MRC is excited to showcase the racing surface with such a prestigious event.

“For the Country Championships we have live music by Chloe and James, a TAB cap cart and a lucky horseshoe hunt.

“And food wise there is a two-course buffet luncheon by The Hunted Gourmet and Garden Party Platters for four people – there’ll also be free buses to and from the racetrack.”

The first couple of horses home in Muswellbrook's $150,000 Evergreen Turf Country Championships (Hunter & North West region) qualify for the rich $1m Final run at Royal Randwick on Day 1 of The Star Championships (Saturday 4 April).

Muswellbrook’s Championships Day has $395,000 in prizemoney with supporting races the $50,000 Super Maiden (1280m) and $30,000 Skellatar Sprint Prelude (900m).

And the Royal Hotel at Muswellbrook is hosting an Evergreen Turf Country Championships Calcutta on Saturday from 5pm.

Canberra Racing Club also race on Sunday and will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its TAB Canberra Cup.

CRC’s CEO Darren Pearce said: “We are so proud of the Canberra Cup, and we can’t wait to give this momentous occasion the special celebration it deserves.

“Our Cup is almost as old as Canberra itself and has provided Canberrans with thrills and unforgettable moments for almost a century.

“The centenary celebrations will honour the generations of horses, jockeys, trainers and racing fans who have shaped the Cup’s proud legacy.”

A series of special events and promotions were held in the lead-up to the anniversary of the 100th running on John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes Day, with Canberra Cup and Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Robbie Dolan playing after the last race.

Leading trainer Bjorn Baker is a special guest and Centenary Cup Ambassador, having won the Canberra Cup twice (Samadoubt and Arapaho). He said: “I’m delighted to be an ambassador for the centenary celebrations.

“I find Canberra people to be laid back, great fun and excellent to deal with. I am lucky enough to have numerous clients from Canberra and the ACT and have only had good experiences with them.”

Meanwhile, Corowa Race Club also celebrates a major milestone with the 150th running of the Corowa Cup on Saturday.

“We’re going all out with a fantastic race meeting planned,” said Gail Law, CRC’s secretary.

“Being our 150th anniversary we have plenty in store including entertainment provided by Ray Macartney, along with family-friendly festivities and a free jumping castle for the kids.

“Patrons can enjoy some fabulous food as well as full-bar facilities with a TAB and bookmakers.

“For this event we will also be introducing umbrella packages that include a gourmet platter, drink vouchers, Corowa Race Club stubby holders and racebooks."

Feature races are the $39,200 Naughtin Group Corowa Cup (1600m) and the $27,000 Naubro Sprint (1000m).

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Tamworth, Bathurst
Tuesday: Taree
Thursday: Grafton
Friday: Dubbo
Saturday: Corowa, Gunnedah, Tottenham picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Muswellbrook, Canberra (ACT)