It’s being billed as the Newcastle Jockey Club’s biggest race day on the calendar.
But, it is much more than that, according to chairman Geoff Barnett.
The organisation will host the fourth edition of the $1 million The Hunter at the Broadmeadow Racecourse on Saturday 12 November, with a total of $2.5 million on offer throughout the meeting, as well as the Myer Beauty Bar – Pamper Station, TAB 369 Glam Cam, a competition for racegoers to win a trip to New Zealand and a DJ set after the action with renowned Running Touch.
“Yes, the fields are fabulous, however it’s all about celebrating and promoting everything we love about Newcastle and the region, too,” he said.
“We’re really looking forward to it.
“I think we’ve got everything in place – Duane (Dowell) and the team have done a terrific job.
“If the weather gods look after us, that will make it perfect.
“We’re expecting a big crowd, maybe around the 5,000 mark, which would be an excellent result.”
Another feature is, of course, the Fashions on the Field.
NBN presenter Jane Goldsmith will emcee the event with a judging panel consisting of Jess Farchione (from Nick, Jess and Ducko on Hit 106.9 Newcastle), 2022 Australian Supermodel Bella Fernandes, Andrew Rundle and local stylist Nat Baker.
“I’m sure that will be extremely popular again, especially with $2,500 worth of vouchers up for grabs,” Barnett said.
“We’re anticipating a high-calibre of entrants.
“However, the profile of racing – and The Hunter – has certainly lifted in the past four years.
“And, it’s fantastic that we here in Newcastle can stage a $1 million race, particularly a stand-alone meeting on a Saturday.
“With that in mind, I think the fact people have been locked up for a long time is also helping our cause.
“Now, they’re able to get out and enjoy a great day at the races.
“That’s why we’ve organised plenty of activations… to ensure it’s a pleasurable experience for everyone.”
Barnett admitted there was a “real positive vibe” around the sport of kings, locally, as well.
“There’s been a lot of good stories coming out of Newcastle racing in the past week or so,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“We’ve had local connections win the Melbourne Cup with Gold Trip, trainer Kris Less capturing the $2 million Big Dance (with Rustic Steel) and the boys with Ellsberg taking out the Five Diamonds at Rosehill.
“So, that sets us up for a sensational afternoon.
“To see a local winner in The Hunter would be unreal – that would cap it off.
“Either way, we’ll get a champion horse come out of it.
“There are several other main races on the program, including the $300,000 ZNB Insurance The Beauford (2300m), $200,000 Group 3 New Zealand Bloodstock 3YO Spring Stakes (1600m), Max Lees 2YO Classic (900m) and the Alf Kneebone Trans-Tasman Trophy, which pits New Zealand trainers against their Australian counterparts for bragging rights over 1850m.
“Last but not least, we’ll have the inaugural Jack Newton Legend Mile.
“In a lovely gesture by Mike Kneebone and the team at New Zealand Bloodstock, they’re naming a race after Newcastle’s golfing great, who sadly passed away earlier in the year.
“It’s a brilliant tribute to Jack and his family.”
Gates open from 11am with the first race at 12.20pm.
For further details, visit www.newcastleracecourse.com.au
For more sports stories:
- Hunter tennis clubs a ‘smash’ hit at NSW awards
- Lees impressed with Rustic Steel’s Big Dance moves
- Hawks elevated to Denton Engineering Cup in 2023
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