The Murrumbidgee Turf Club welcomed 2,500 race goers to the return of Country Championships Race Day which saw amazing live entertainment, exceptional racing and sold-out hospitality venues across course.
The EverGreen Turf SDRA Country Championships Qualifier saw Canny Hell take out the win sending Albury trainer Kym Davison to Royal Randwick for the ultimate showdown on April 5 to hopefully secure the $1m prize money and bragging rights of the 2025 Country Championships. MTC Chairman Geoff Harrison and wife Christine share ownership in the horse and were thrilled to see the young gelding storm down the perfectly prepared straight.
Wagga trainer Peter Morgan also had his success with Burrandana who raced their way into the final with a second, with the first two runners across the line in each qualifier earning a place in the lucrative final.
Local trainer Doug Gorrel presented 2024 Country Championships winner Asgarda for an exhibition gallop which saw the overflowing Grandstand watch the impressive mare yet again.
Racing NSW guests indulged in a premium trackside experience which saw Racing NSW General Manager Scott Kennedy, MTC Chairman Geoff Harrison, Professional Eventing Rider Jess Grosmann, Business NSW Regional Manager Serena Hardwick, Albury Racing Club CEO Steve Hetherton and MTC CEO Jason Ferrario enjoying their day.
7 Horse Racing Producer Emily Riordan was also seen mingling in the Racing NSW marquee, interviewing racegoers, choosing the pick of the yard for the EverGreen Turf SDRA Country Championships Qualifier and catching up with international talent CYRIL.
“Being a part of this year’s Country Championships Race Day has been so much fun and a great opportunity to meet the amazing local trainers, jockeys and horses as well as general race goers on course!”
“I am so excited to return for both days of the Wagga Gold Cup Carnival and to see the running of the 2025 Wagga Gold Cup.”
The Long Lunch in the Grandview Marquee raised over $17,000 for the Greaney Family who lost their husband and father, Jack Greaney in late November last year. Hosted by MTC Director Angus Lamont the sold-out marquee saw over 150 guests enjoy a day of racing, community spirit and fantastic hospitality.
The party didn’t stop after the last with international DJ CYRIL keeping the dance floor pumping in the Party on the Paddock precinct with over 1,000 tickets sold. The exclusive Gordon’s Gin VIP Lounge saw 20 lucky race goers receive the ultimate festival experience.
MTC Marketing Manager Cass Writer is thrilled with the return of the Party on the Paddock Precinct.
“This year’s Party on the Paddock Precinct saw a combined effort from our team and Truth Events, it was great to see so many people have a dance throughout the day as well as after the last for DJ CYRIL!”
“The last Country Championships Race Day was in 2022, and we were so thrilled to secure the race date this year, hopefully there are many more to come.”
The MTC would like to thank the City of Wagga Wagga and Gordon’s Pink Gin for their support and are looking forward to the upcoming events which includes the 100 Club Gala Evening on March 7, Kooringal Stud Prelude Day on 13 April, the annual Wagga Gold Cup Carnival on May 1 & 2.
