The Narrandera Race Club (NRC) are pulling out all the stops this weekend for what is expected to be its biggest Narrandera Cup to date.
The weekend is jam packed with plenty of opportunities to win some prizes while also enjoying the lineup of exciting races which everyone can enjoy as there will be no entry fee.
This year’s event will once again be a qualifier for the Big and Little Dance races on Melbourne Cup Day later this year.
According to NRC Racing Manager Michael Bailey the club is ecstatic to have the honour again this year.
“We’re absolutely stoked because it isn’t something that you’re guaranteed each year and it all depends on the club’s performance, so we were on trial last year,” he said.
“Racing NSW were very happy with our overall performance last year with the extra nine races that we staged during the wet weather and the races were very well patronised and the betting turnover around the world was very good so we were granted the opportunity again.
“Trainers and horses are travelling further to Narrandera even though the prize money isn’t millions, but the big carrot at the end of the rainbow is the chance to race at the Big and Little Dance in November.”
This year’s cup has once again garnered huge support from local businesses through sponsorships who have helped achieve a huge $300,000 in prize money to be won at this year’s Cup.
Major sponsor is the Narrandera Community Bank which has sponsored the headlining race worth $60,000 and announced they will be onboard as sponsors for the following two years.
The Community Bank will also use the day to celebrate their 20 year milestone as part of Narrandera, with a marquee, an open bar and a cake to share with race goers.
Other race sponsors of the day also include Leeton Toyota, Narrandera Bakery, Elders Narrandera, Glenn Preston Real Estate, Charles Sturt Hotel, WIN Network and the Wagga and District Racing Supporters Club.
Mr Bailey shared that the NRC is looking forward to the club’s hard work coming together after months of preparation.
“This year it is going to be an even stronger race and will allow us to be looked at in an even more positive light,” he said.
“[The Club] is so excited because the reality is it’s hard work for six or seven months in the lead-up to our three month program”¦ it’s a lot of commitment and giving up your own time.
“It’s the hard work of a team of people, which by the way isn’t very big , that makes it all work and the satisfaction we get out of it when it all works makes it worth it.”
“It’s a big industry but also a small industry so good and bad news travels fast, [race-goers] are now realising that they’re going to race on a good surface in Narrandera for a decent prize.”
The day’s program will include fashions on the field, live entertainment, a sit-down lunch, bar and canteen facilities, and, of course, bookmakers and the TAB.
The entire weekend will be one to remember with the annual calcutta also happening on the Saturday night beforehand at the Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club.
NSW TAB is holding a promotion during the cup weekend at all the TAB’s in town so there will be plenty of giveaways and competitions around Narrandera.
Members of the NRC will also have the chance to come out of the weekend $1000 richer with a members draw to be drawn on Cup Day.
This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 11 July 2024.
