Country Championships Race Day will return to the Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) after a three-year hiatus on Saturday 1 March 2025 and will include the Southern District Racing Association (SDRA) Country Championships qualifier, as well as welcoming back Party on the Paddock, headlining international DJ CYRIL.
Last hosted in 2022, the MTC qualifier saw local Wagga trainer, Gary Colvin win on home turf with Another One, who then went on to win the $500k Final at Royal Randwick. Local trainer Doug Gorrel also tasted success in 2024 with his mare Asgarda, qualifying through the SDRA qualifier at Albury Racing Club and securing the $1m race at Royal Randwick.
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club welcomes back Party on the Paddock which will bring a festival experience to race goers throughout the day, with Australia’s hottest emerging DJ headlining after the last, CYRIL.
Born and raised in regional NSW, CYRIL is behind two of the world’s most successful records at the moment including “Stumblin’ In” and his remix of Grammy-nominated artist Disturbed’s “Sound of Silence” and will be center stage performing trackside.
Producer and Manager Matt Luff is beyond excited to host Cyril at the MTC, “his energy, music, and global reach make him the perfect headliner for what promises to be an incredible day.”
“We’ve been working hard to curate an unforgettable experience for our attendees, and having CYRIL on board takes it to the next level.”
“Tickets are on sale now via the MTC website for $45 which includes entry to the Party on the Paddock precinct as well as the races, don’t miss out on witnessing this electrifying performance and an unforgettable Country Championships Day.”
There are plenty of hospitality options on course with general admission tickets from $10, as well as access into the Long Lunch in the Grandview Marquee for $110 which allows racegoers to enjoy premium trackside views whilst they indulge in a buffet lunch, private bar and donation to charity.
Proudly supported by the City of Wagga Wagga, Country Championships Day at the MTC will be bigger than ever with fun activities for the kids, incredible racing, world renowned entertainment and fantastic hospitality.
Tickets are on sale now via the MTC website – www.mtcwagga.com.au
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) hosted the annual Xmas Party Race Day which saw a day filled with Christmas spirit, fantastic hospitality and live entertainment.
Although The Wagga Riverside meeting was postponed due to heavy rainfall the Christmas cheer was unmatched with sold out hospitality packages including the Champagne Bar, Lawn Precinct and Members enclosures.
The Viewco Social Lawn was in full swing with local window and glazing business, Viewco retaining the naming sponsor for the fourth consecutive year.
The 2025 Face of the Carnival ambassadors were announced by MTC CEO Jason Ferrario at 3.10pmwho discussed their support for the 32nd running of the program.
“Encouraging young members of our community to be the face of our largest event, the Wagga Gold Cup Carnival is certainly an exciting opportunity and one we look forward to every year.”
“The MTC are delighted to keep this long-standing tradition alive and look forward to welcoming two new ambassadors to our team for the 2025 racing season.”
This year’s successful Face of the Carnival ambassadors include Sophie Grant and Adam Whicker.
Sophie works locally in Wagga as a sales administrator and loves gathering her friends, dressing up to the nines and making unforgettable memories at the races.
“I’m so excited to make connections and network throughout the wider Riverina community and become more involved within horse racing.”
“Having this opportunity is beyond exciting and I can’t wait to boost my confidence and enjoy the process!”
Wagga local Adam loves coming together with his friends at the races and trying to pick a winner. Working as an accountant, Adam looks forward to trying something different and being a part of Wagga’s largest social events, the Wagga Gold Cup.
“I am so thrilled to be next year’s Face of the Carnival and embarking on this exciting adventure.”
“I am looking forward to growing and developing as a young individual and meeting all the amazing people from our community along the way.”
Sophie and Adam will be a part of Wagga’s night of nights at the 100 Club Gala Night, take part in a professional marketing photoshoot and attend the Wagga Gold Cup Carnival, including Tooheys Town Plate Day and Wagga Gold Cup Day featuring on the race book covers.
The fun didn’t stop on course with kids entertainment including amusements by Jumping Beans and games keeping the younger crowd entertained as well as a special visit from Santa.
The party was kept alive with live entertainment by Aaron Oldaker, Miller Time and Who’s the Boss Party Band who danced the afternoon away.
The MTC Spring Racing Carnival will be drawing to a close for the 2024 season after Ted Ryder Cup Day (Christmas Eve) on 24 December. The MTC look forward to bringing in the new year with a number of key race dates races including Championships Day on 1 March 2025 and the much-anticipated Wagga Gold Cup Carnival on May 1 & 2, 2025.
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club is opening for tender the exclusive supply rights for all it’s beer category products.
Contact Jason Ferrario to obtain the tender document and details at [email protected].
For further queries call (02) 69212151
Submission of tender will close at 4:00 PM Friday 6th December 2024
CYRIL TO HEADLINE PARTY ON THE PADDOCK 2025
Country Championships Race Day will return to the Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) after a three-year hiatus on Saturday 1 March 2025 and will include the DJ Precinct – Party on the Paddock which will bring a festival experience to race goers throughout the day, with Australia’s hottest emerging DJ headlining after the last, CYRIL.
The Australian born artist is behind two of the world’s hottest records at the moment including “Stumblin’ In” and his remix of Grammy-nominated artist Disturbed’s “Sound of Silence” and will be center stage performing after the last trackside.
Born and raised in regional NSW and now based in Darwin, Cyril is a DJ, producer and muti-instrumentalist including guitar, piano and drums. With his laptop always close to him he keeps his dream alive whilst constantly refining his craft.
MTC CEO Jason Ferrario is thrilled to have the SDRA Country Championships qualifier back at the MTC and to be able to lock in such a huge act for after the races.
“To be able to host international talent such as Cyril is truly an exciting opportunity for the MTC and there is no better place for him to play than after a great race day at Party on the Paddock, aligning with the end of ‘O’ Week at CSU.”
“Having the capacity to host a festival atmosphere after one of our largest race days for the year is exciting and a great prelude into the 2025 Wagga Gold Cup Carnival.”
Cyril’s biggest moment to date came in late 2023 with the release of “Stumblin’ In,” which initially exploded on TikTok before dominating streaming and radio services worldwide. It became the #1 most played song on air in countries like Germany, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, and more, as well as being a part of Spotify and Apple’s biggest playlists.
With exceptional entertainment will come a jam-packed race day including a private luncheon, marquee areas, live entertainment and hospitality packages.
Tickets for Party on the Paddock are on sale now via the MTC website for $45 and include entry to the race day and access to the 18 and over Party on the Paddock DJ precinct.
Stay tuned for further announcements regarding Championships Day hospitality packages and race day information.
Notice of AGM
The Annual General Meeting of Members of the Murrumbidgee Turf Club Limited will be held in the Murrumbidgee Turf Club Grandstand (Members Lounge) on Thursday, 14th November 2024, at 6:00pm, for the purpose of-
- Receiving of apologies.
- Confirming the minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Members held on Wednesday, 15 November 2023.
- Receiving the President’s Report.
- Receiving the Audited Financial Statements.
- Transacting any ordinary business that may be properly brought before the meeting.
A copy of Annual Report will be sent in due course, for those that have requested a copy.
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) is proud to announce the results of sponsored riders Jess Grosmann and Sophie Fox at this year’s Equimillion event hosted at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre from Friday 4 October to Monday 7 October.
The four-day event, hosted by Racing NSW, paid out $1 million in prize money exclusively to Off The Track (retired) thoroughbred racehorses, who competed in Dressage, Jumping, Eventing and Show Thoroughbred disciplines.
Sponsored rider and professional 5* event rider Jess Grosmann competed on former Tim Donnelly trained Duchy of Cornwall and secured second place in the Newstar 80 Eventing Class.
Grosmann is thrilled with the event and how well Duchy of Cornwall has adapted to life after racing.
“I am thrilled with Duchy of Cornwall who was still racing in May at the Wagga Gold Cup Carnival earlier this year, coming out second at Equimillion is really quite impressive.”
“We are so lucky that Racing NSW has taken the initiative to promote how versatile racehorses can be post racing.”
Sponsored rider and professional 4* event rider Sophie Fox took two horses to the event placing third in the Newstar 80 Eventing Class on the former Darrell Burnet trained I Am Richenuff, securing the paira $4,000 paycheck.
It was Fox’s first year being sponsored by the MTC and was thrilled with the opportunity.
“Equimillion was a great experience for myself and both my horses. The event was very friendly and relaxed for the horses, allowing them to show the potential they both have to excel in our sport in the future.”
“’I Am Richenuff’ and ‘Cellar Champ’ performed incredibly well given their limited experience after racing. They finished 3rd & 11th respectively, both not adding any jumping faults to their finishing score.”
MTC CEO, Jason Ferrario is thrilled to see local Wagga Wagga horses excelling in their new careers off the track.
“It’s so great to see our locally trained horses thrive in their new environments post racing. We have such an array of skilled riders in our region, so it’s great to see our local Wagga horses finding such incredible homes”.
“The MTC will continue to sponsor local riders for the annual Equimillion competition, and we can’t wait to see fantastic results again next year.”
The MTC is proud to be associated with such a great initiative and will continue to support the talented local thoroughbreds and riders in the Riverina region and surrounds. The MTC look forward to seeing another group of incredible retrained thoroughbreds and riders compete again next year.
As the warm weather starts to heat up the Riverina, Wagga is set to come alive with three months of racing, fashion, live music and entertainment. The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) is delighted to launch the 2024 Spring Racing Carnival as well as the search for the 2025 Faces of the Carnival (FOTC).
As Spring Racing is synonymous with amazing racing and events, the MTC look forward to welcoming crowds to the track to enjoy feature race days, Aggies Races, Wagga Picnic Races, Players & Ponies Charity Race Day, Good Talk & Tradies Day, Xmas Party Race Day and Ted Ryder Cup Day (Christmas Eve).
Choose from one of the many hospitality experiences offered on course each day and grab your family and friends for a fun day out whilst cheering on local and interstate horses who will have their moment galloping in the sun.
MTC CEO, Jason Ferrario is excited as springtime is the best time of the year for racing, “preparations are underway with our amazing track and maintenance team who always do an immaculate job.”
“There are so many upcoming race days which provide opportunities to reconnect with friends and family and enjoy a fun day out at the races. We are also proud of the fact that last Spring, we were able to raise over $50,000 for various charities through our race days.”
After a more than successful Wagga Gold Cup Carnival, the FOTC search for 2025 is underway with applications opening on September 1. The MTC are looking for two enthusiastic ambassadors who are approachable and excited about horse racing, fashion and fun.
The successful applicants for 2025 will be a part of Wagga’s night of nights at the 100 Club Gala Night, take part in a professional marketing photoshoot and attend the Wagga Gold Cup Carnival, including Tooheys Town Plate Day and Wagga Gold Cup Day.
The MTC welcomes back sponsors for this year’s FOTC search Michael Woodford from Blowes Clothing Wagga as well as welcoming on-board new sponsor Social Queen Hiring. Supporting these sponsors is local millinery expert Dianne Barbour. The MTC are thrilled to be able to continue supporting local businesses in the Riverina.
Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack is excited to see the launch of the Spring Racing season and the search for two remarkable people who will become Faces of the Carnival.
“I wholeheartedly encourage anyone who has passion and believes they have what it takes to be a Face of the Carnival to apply for this prestigious opportunity,” Mr McCormack said.
“Previous Faces of the Carnival have done a marvellous job at being community ambassadors for Wagga Wagga’s biggest social event.
“I eagerly look forward to the big reveal at Murrumbidgee Turf Club’s Xmas Party Day races on Saturday 30 November to see who these wonderful representatives will be.”
Now in its 23rd year, the Face of the Carnival search encourages locals to dress up, have fun and experience all that country racing has to offer, applications for this year’s search close on November 1.
Current FOTC Jess Knox commented on the year that was and encourages FOTC applications for 2025.
“Being the Face of the Carnival for 2024 has been the highlight of my year! Not only was it an excellent experience, but it was also so lovely to have the opportunity to build a relationship with the team at the MTC and to network with excellent businesses in Wagga Wagga.”
“I couldn’t recommend becoming an ambassador more to anyone wanting to get out there and embrace their true self whilst being a part of exceptional racing, fashion and entertainment.”
Current FOTC Mitchell Cawley encourages locals to step out of their comfort zone and try something new, “Being the face of the carnival was a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, experience the Wagga Cup carnival in a different fashion and meet people in the industry.”
The MTC look forward to the upcoming Spring Racing Carnival season and finding two new Faces of the Carnival ambassadors for 2025. To learn more about the 2024 Spring Racing Carnival and view a full calendar of race meetings visit: https://mtcwagga.com.au/racing-calendar/
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) is honored to present one of the largest Agriculture social events in Australia, Aggies Race Day which continues to support the Wagga Agriculture Club (WAC) and wider community.
The MTC continue their ongoing partnership with the Wagga Agriculture Club (WAC) who began the race day initiative in 1989 to raise money for friend and fellow student Peter Worsley, who sustained spinal injuries from a rugby incident. Since then, the Wagga Agriculture Club has raised numerous funds for Peter and the wider WAC community.
The spring racing atmosphere kicks off at 12.00pm with a seven-race card giving opportunity for local and interstate horses to stretch their legs leading into the Spring Racing Carnival which includes eight days of racing at the MTC beginning on Saturday 21 September.
Straight from television fame will be this year’s Farmer Wants a Wife contestants who will be spotted on course throughout the day. Couples Daisy Lamb &Todd Melbourne, Sophie Trethowan & Dustin Waring will be in attendance as well as singles Bert Harris, Tom Boyer and Jamira Kelly, who may find love at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club.
The Fashions on the Fields competition will return with categories including Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Man which will take place after Race 2 (1.50pm) and Best Millinery and Best Dressed Couple which will take place after Race 3 (2.30pm).
The prize pool includes vouchers from local boutiques Texas Jane and Ted & Olive, clothing store Blowes, Ruby Woodlock Art, Riverina Co-op, and the William Farrer Hotel. Farmer wants a Wife contestants Daisy Lamb & Todd Melbourne will be presenting the Fashions on the Field prizes after each category.
Judges will include local style gurus Ivy Seddon from Texas Jane Boutique and Sarah Carey from Ted and Olive Boutique as well as local milliner Dianne Barbour. Registrations for Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Man, Best Millinery and Best Dressed couple are available next to the fashions stage after the first race.
Daisy Lamb is excited about attending the races and “loves having the opportunity to use momentum we have built through Farmer Wants a Wife to give back to country towns.”
MTC CEO Jason Ferrario is excited about the large crowds returning to the track after this year’s highly successful Wagga Gold Cup Carnival, “It’s great to see such enthusiasm from our local WAC committee on hosting the annual Aggies Race Day, The MTC is the perfect venue to host the biggest day in the Australian Agriculture social event calendar.”
WAC Race Day Committee President Josh Elworthy mentions the strong charity component and what it means for WAC member Peter Worsley, “It’s so great that we can continue our partnership with the MTC to raise funds for Peter Worsley, his family, and the wider WAC committee.”
“In 2023 we raised over $30,000 from the Race Day and we can’t wait to present Peter and his family with this year’s fundraising efforts.”
All venues will be in operation on course and bars will be operated via a drink ticket system located in key areas on course with cash and card accepted and will be in operation until 6.00pm. Drinks tickets priced at $5.50 per ticket.
There will be no shortage of entertainment with Aaron Oldaker in the WAC Marquee during the day and Paddy Wagon Band playing classics and getting the dancefloor going after the last.
Free buses will be available at the end of Aggies Race Day departing from the Slocum Street exit from 4.30pm and will do circuits downtown.
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) is proud to sponsor three local riders and their horses to compete in this year’s Equimillion event hosted at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre from Friday 4 October to Monday 7 October.
The four-day event, hosted by Racing NSW, offers $1 million in prize money exclusively to Off The Track (retired) thoroughbred racehorses, who will compete in Dressage, Jumping, Eventing and Show Thoroughbred disciplines.
With close connections to the MTC, professional 5* event rider Jess Grosmann will compete with former Tim Donnelly trained Duchy of Cornwall, who finished his racing career in 2022. Jess, alongside her husband Matthew, operate Wadari Stables which is located 40kms out of Wagga. The couple and their young family manage racehorse spelling and pretraining, agistment and high-level performance horses.
Local trackwork rider and professional 4* event rider Bessie Dimery, will compete on former Tim Donnelly trained Participator who retired from racing in 2023. Living in Wagga, whilst pursuing a degree in Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University, Bessie is an avid rider, training Off The Track thoroughbreds, as well as performance horses.
Euroa based horse trainer and professional 4* event rider, Sophie Fox, will compete on former Gary Colvin trained Cellar Champ and former Darrell Burnet trained I Am Richenuff. Sophie also pre-trains thoroughbreds for racing and enjoys schooling thoroughbreds in preparation for life after racing.
MTC CEO, Jason Ferrario, is looking forward to seeing the sponsored riders and horses compete at the Syndey International Equestrian Centre in early October.
“The MTC is delighted to sponsor local riders and former MTC trained horses in the Equimillion event. The event is a great opportunity for retired thoroughbreds to have a career away from the racetrack after their racing has finished and for riders to compete with the thoroughbreds, showcasing their versatility.”
“The Equimillion event is a great initiative run by Racing NSW and highlights the importance of the retraining and rehoming of thoroughbred horses after their racing career, as well as showcasing their elite athletic ability.”
This year’s Equimillion event has new free entry classes on offer and will attract thoroughbred horses which have retired from racing in the last 12 months.
The MTC is proud to be associated with such a great initiative and will watch on with great interest, to see Jess, Bessie and Sophie test their skills in partnership with their much-loved retired thoroughbreds.
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) will pay tribute to 14-time Group 1 winning Jockey
Danny Beasley on Sunday August 11 at the MTC Danny Beasley Race Day.
Growing up locally in Wagga Wagga, Beasley has had an extraordinary career as a jockey
which has seen his career progress from the stables of Peter Maher to the Randwick stable
of Grahame Begg, whilst becoming a household name for leading female horse trainer Gai
Waterhouse.
Beasley’s success took off with his first Group 1 win in the VRC Newmarket Handicap on
Miss Pennymoney in 2000. Beasley then went on to have outstanding success with the Gai
Waterhouse trained Grand Armee, who he rode six of his seven Group One wins including
two Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Further successes included winning the 2001 Wagga Gold
Cup on Regal Touch, 2003 Golden Slipper on Polar Success, the 2003 Doncaster Mile on
Grand Armee and the 2006 Magic Millions 2YO Classic on Mirror Mirror.
After a long list of wins within Australian Racing, Beasley decided to make the move to
Singapore where Beasley spent 15 years in the saddle. After taking out the 2014 Raffles
Cup, aboard War Affair trained by Alvin Tan, Beasley made the move back to Australia with
his family in 2023.
With 1877 career wins of which 607 were attained in Singapore, Beasley has 24 Group 1’s
to his name which Beasley will now apply to his new career as a trainer. Based out of Wagga
Wagga Beasley is excited about his new career, “it’s exciting and something I have always
wanted to do post being a jockey”.
Beasley is looking forward to what the future holds and aims to be “really successful and competitive after achieving success at the highest level as a jockey and there is no doubt it’s achievable here as a trainer at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club”.
MTC CEO Jason Ferrario is thrilled to have Beasley training just across the road from the
MTC and is looking forward to “welcoming Danny and his team to the new stable complex
that is currently in the planning process”.
Beasley hopes to “evolve alongside the Murrumbidgee Turf Club and is looking forward to being the first tenant in the new stable complex”.
The MTC will reflect on Beasley’s career with a tribute video that will be played between
races four and five.