The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) hosted the annual 100 Club Gala Evening on Friday March 7 which saw the announcement of the Wagga RSL Club claiming the $200,000 2025 Listed Wagga Gold Cup.
Now in its 30th year, the long-standing event provides local business owners with the opportunity to network and build relationships within the Riverina whilst indulging in a delicious three course meal, sip on premium beverages and cocktails, and dance the night away.
Guests were welcomed through the Travers Street gates from 6.00pm to enjoy canapes and champagne on the Front Lawn with formalities commencing from 7.00pm onwards in the 330-person marquee on the home straight hill.
Good friend of the MTC, Luke Francis, welcomed guests into the marquee to begin the proceedings of the evening, welcoming MTC President Geoff Harrison, MTC CEO Jason Ferrario and guests of the evening including comedian Vince Sorrenti.
This year’s Faces of the Carnival, Sophie Grant and Adam Whicker were spotted on course interviewing guests and assisting with sponsorship duties. Dressed by the Face of the Carnival sponsors Blowes Clothing and Social Queen Hiring and Makeup by Bennett & Barkell, both Sophie and Adam had a wonderful evening.
Sophie Grant was thrilled to be a part of the evening, “I have heard lots about the 100 Club Gala Evening and it was so great to be a part of the night!”
“Seeing all the amazing sponsors who make Wagga Gold Cup Carnival possible, mingling and enjoying their evening, was great to be a part of!”
The evening didn’t stop there, with the Baker Boys Band entertaining guests late into the night, the saxophonist and live DJ got the dance floor pumping until late into the night.
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.
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) will open their gates at 12.00pm this Sunday 26th of January to welcome racegoers to an afternoon of great racing, two for $10 entry (with Kids and under 16 free), as well as plenty of on course entertainment making for a great relaxing afternoon.
The Tooheys Australia Day Cup will run at 2.00pm and with Darrell Burnet and Gary Colvin heading up the local charge. Presentations from Tooheys representative Cameron Breust will follow and the owners of 2024 Country Championships winner Asgarda will receive their trophy for SDRA Horse of the Year.
Racegoers will enjoy an 8-race card with the running of the Inglis Xtra Bonus Super Maiden Plate (1200m) at 3.50pm. A strong field has accepted and nine of the runners will be eligible for a $100,000 bonus on offer to the winning owners by being Inglis Race Series eligible. Leading Sydney trainers Chris Waller and Bjorn Baker have runners, with leading Sydney rider Kerrin McEvoy booked to ride the Waller runner, Rach.
The Sunday race meet will see no shortage of entertainment with Aaron Oldaker Music entertaining crowds in the afternoon, as well plenty of Kids entertainment on offer including free kids sausage sizzle, slushies, pony rides, amusements, mega slide, games, prizes and more.
The MTC are looking forward to hosting the long weekend races and continue to build momentum leading up tothe SDRA Country Championships Qualifier Race Day on Saturday March 1 and the oncourse Party on the Paddock precinct, headlining international DJ CYRIL.
Tickets are on sale NOW via the MTC website as well as Wagga Gold Cup Carnival tickets going on sale from 12.00pm Wednesday 29 January – https://www.mtcwagga.com.au/
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.