Canberra Racing Carnival launched with new Owners and Trainers Lounge

The Canberra Racing Club yesterday welcomed Trainers, Committee and Media to the revamped Owners and Trainers Lounge at Thoroughbred Park to launch the 2023 Canberra Racing Carnival.

The Lounge is designed to provide a showcase of the best the Canberra region has to offer to Thoroughbred Trainers and Owners from far and wide.

Canberra Racing Club Chief Executive Darren Pearce is delighted with the development and looks forward to sharing the artisan produce of the region in such a fun and beautiful space.

“We as a Club, are on an upward trajectory and will look to improve every event and every customer experience, at every opportunity.” Pearce said.

“For this year’s Carnival, we have partnered with a number of wonderful local brands like Grazing at Gundaroo, Grease Monkey, Hartley Hall Markets and Underground Spirits to support local business, but also to elevate the experience customers have when they come through the gates at Thoroughbred Park.”

The launch of this new space was coupled with the debut of the limited edition Black Opal – Play in Colour Gin from Underground Spirits.

The commemorative gin was designed inline with the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of Canberra’s greatest race, the John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes.

“We have great responsibility in 2023, to do justice to what is a tremendous occasion, the 50th Anniversary of the Black Opal Stakes.” Pearce said.

“It is a great opportunity for our Club to connect with the Canberra community, something which we have placed great emphasis on.”

While Sunday, 12 March will feature a traditionally young and energetic crowd, the Club has partnered with Hartley Hall Markets to deliver a community focused Day Two of the Canberra Racing Carnival – TAB Canberra Cup Race Day (Monday, 13 March).

“We are embracing the Canberra Day celebrations by partnering with the Hartley Hall Markets to make Canberra Cup Day a community focused family day with colourful market stalls, special activities for people of all ages but a special focus on children’s entertainment.” Pearce said.

“We will have a Carnival fun zone, family and kids fashions in the field, pony rides and delicious treats of all kinds and the best news – entry for everyone under 18 is free.”

“With 17 races across two action packed days and almost $1.2m in prizemoney we have attracted interest from racing fans globally, owners and trainers nationally and visitors from near and far.”