Latest News

By Mark Brassel

There’s been plenty of reshuffling numerous NSW race meetings during the week following the heavy rain that fell around the state.

Tuncurry and Newcastle were called off on Saturday and Wyong was postponed yesterday, and it was a merry-go-round for Wagga with last Tuesday’s program moved to Narrandera on Thursday before that was eventually called off after succumbing to rain.

A busy week's ahead for Murrumbidgee Turf Club at Wagga

Now Murrumbidgee Turf Club (Wagga) has stepped in to host today’s Gundagai program after that course was deemed unsuitable for racing.

It’s a busy seven days for MTC as the Club then backs up on Sunday with their Riverina Cup meeting that also features the Wagga Whiz (1000m).

The Club announced during the week a new partnership raising funds with Can Assist NSW who becomes the new charity partner on Everest Day (Saturday 18th October).

MTC’s CEO Jason Ferrario said the new partnership raises awareness for the important work of Can Assist.

“Our spring racing carnival is a highlight and to involve an incredible charity such as Can Assist and shine a light on the life-changing work they do is an honour.

“Punters can experience a fantastic day out with Group 1 racing on the big screen, endless entertainment for the kids and gourmet hospitality packages on offer.”

Dubbo Turf Club also race on Sunday highlighted by the Dubbo Cup Prelude (1400m) and the Dubbo Sprint Prelude (1000m).

Winners of these events gain a ‘golden ticket’ into the $150,000 Dubbo City & Gilgandra Toyota Dubbo Gold Cup (1600m) and the $75,000 XXXX Gold Vincent Gordon Flying (1100m) on Sunday 28 September.

Meanwhile, the annual Louth racing meeting on Saturday highlights the magic of the outback and is one of the most unique racedays in country NSW.

The bush town of Louth sits on the banks of the Darling River, 132km from Cobar and 100km from Bourke [817km from Sydney] and the raceday is one for the Bucket List.

“There are stacks of lead-up events in the village during the week including farm tours, morning teas, the Gundabooka Golf Challenge on Wednesday, a Damper and Scone Bake Off on Thursday and the School Fete on Friday,” said Tegan Barton, Louth Turf Club’s secretary.

“On Friday evening is the Calcutta with Saturday’s raceday featuring seven races and prizemoney of more than $100,000 plus trophies and sashes.

“Sky Racing is in operation for off-course and interstate punters, and all the usual raceday elements are here such as local bookies, TAB van, bar, morning and afternoon tea, various lunch and dinner options, and fashions and novelty events.

“There’ll be live music from ‘Ballz n All Band’ who will entertain the crowd in the saddling enclosure after the last race, with the track bar staying open well into the night!”

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Wagga-Riverside
Tuesday: Moruya
Thursday: Tamworth
Friday: Port Macquarie
Saturday: Casino, Louth (non-TAB)
Sunday: Dubbo, Wagga