The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) will be celebrating a true country showdown this Saturday 28th February featuring the Evergreen Turf SDRA Country Championships Qualifier, fantastic hospitality, and top tier entertainment.
The 7-race card will feature the SDRA Country Championships Qualifier, showcasing some of the region’s best horses and trainers. Albury trainer Kym Davison will have a strong hand in the qualifier, with early favourite Autumn Break ($2.30 into $2.00 with TAB) heading up his charge and 2025 qualifier winner Canny Hell ($7.50 on the third line of betting) returning for another chance to secure a spot in the Country Championships final. Fellow Albury trainer Donna Scott has 5 runners in the qualifier.
Local Wagga trainers, Gary Colvin (2 runners), Darrell Burnet, Doug Gorrel, Scott Spackman and Michael Travers will all have a shot at securing their chance to feature in the Country Championships Final on Saturday 4 April at Royal Randwick, with 1st and 2nd across the line earning places in the final.
Premium trackside offerings will include the Long Lunch in the Grandview Marquee where race goers can enjoy a gourmet lunch, private bar, whilst raising vital funds and awareness for The BrAshA-T Foundation.
The BrAshA-T Foundation supports children and families affected by Ataxia – Telangiectasia (A-T), a rare and incurable disease which has affected Wagga Wagga family, the Millar’s.
After the loss of their son Charlie and recent diagnosis of daughter Zara, Jeff and Carly Millar have found strength and purpose in advocating for a better future for families tackling the same diagnosis.
MTC Chief Executive Officer, Jason Ferrario is honoured to be hosting the charity luncheon with a cause that hits close to home for the Riverina community.
“What Carly and Jeff have endured is unimaginable. We are proud to stand behind this charity and help raise both awareness and essential funds for such an important cause.”
“Thank you to our generous community and to our marquee host, Trent Cohalan, a close friend of the Millar family, for his valued support.”
The MTC is extremely grateful for those members of the community who have donated to the auction items and raffles of the day including TAB, Viewco, Andersens Carpet Wagga, Wagga Wagga Marketplace, Bennett & Barkell, Tooheys, HIDE Steak & Bar, Riverina Co – op & RB Sellars Wagga.
The party will be kept alive in the Wild West Bundaberg Rum Precinct, featuring DJ Dan spinning tunes throughout the day and access to a private bar and amenities. The trackside location positions race goers front and centre to the truck stage which will feature rock band Ballz n All, who will keep the party going after the last, accessible for all GA ticket holders.
MTC Marketing, Sales and Events Manager Nicola Baldry is excited for all the action in the Wild West Bundaberg Rum Precinct.
“We are thrilled to be hosting an interactive Precinct which has attracted CSU Students as the finale of O-Week”
“Patrons will have access to a range of activities during the day including line dancing and prize giveaways, which include a Weber BBQ, $200 Riverina Co-op gift voucher and RB Sellars vouchers.”
“Racegoers are encouraged to stay on course to party with rock band Ballz n All after the last race (5.45pm). We are thankful for RivTurf who have donated the truck stage, and we hope to develop this concept for our larger race days throughout the year.”
Complimentary buses will depart from the Slocum Street exit from 6.00pm taking racegoers downtown until after the completion of the concert. For those wanting to stay on course public bars will be in operation until 7.15pm.
