The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) welcomed 1,650 race goers though the MTC gates for the 2nd annual Can Assist Family Charity Race Day, an increase of more than 500 from the inaugural event in 2025. Naming rights sponsor Steel Supplies were back on board again; it was an excellent day of racing, family fun and fundraising in support of regional cancer patients.
The Spring Racing Carnival atmosphere kicked off at 12.00pm with sponsors enjoying their premium private marquee offerings, as well as raising crucial funds for Can Assist Wagga’s ongoing work and this year branches from Junee, Coolamon and Tumbarumba joined in the fundraising efforts, with plans to grow the event year on year and include more southern region branches each year.
The day featured seven races, a jam-packed Kids Fun Zone, live dance performance from Wagga Academy of Ballet, Charity BBQ and excellent entertainment from Leighton Marhsall in the Can Assist Sponsorship Marquee as well as various acts across the afternoon on the back lawn. We welcomed artists from across the Riverina and Murray Region; Andy Owen, Jarryn Phegan, Miss Mikalia, Laura J and Kayne Lyndon.
Punters enjoyed live coverage of The Everest and Kosciuszko from Royal Randwick on the big screen, with a tipping competition keeping punters interested with one lucky winner receiving $250 cash and assorted prizes.
Lilier Lodge General Manager and Can Assist Wagga representative Richard Moffat, was thrilled with the crowd numbers and success of the day.
“We are thrilled with the results of our second year hosting the Can Assist Charity Race Day. We have managed to grow the event in terms of attendance and dollars raised, which is a positive sign for the longevity of this major fundraiser.
To have the Junee, Coolamon and Tumbarumba branches join us this year was amazing and we look forward to having other branches join in for the party next year.
We thank Steel Supplies and the MTC for the great opportunity to raise funds for such a wonderful organisation that Can Assist is.”MTC CEO, Jason Ferrario, was also thrilled with the 2nd Can Assist day and what the future brings for the years to come.
“Building on the success of the inaugural event in 2025 and with the Can Assist vision to create a Southern NSW charity race day, is something the MTC is very proud to be associated with and excited about for the future.”
Working alongside the incredible Can Assist volunteers, across the four branches involved, is a truly rewarding experience. The dedication and passion these volunteers bring to supporting individuals and families affected by cancer across our region is nothing short of inspiring.
We are incredibly proud to have played a part in bringing the community together for such a meaningful cause and look forward to continuing this valued partnership for many years to come.”
The MTC is looking forward to the remaining key race dates on the 2026 Spring Racing Carnival, including Elders Pink Day on Friday 30 October (raising funds and awareness for the National Breast Cancer Foundation), Viewco Xmas Party Race Day on Saturday November 28 and Ted Ryder Cup Day on Thursday 24 December.
