Carbine Club of the ACT Black Opal Luncheon 2025

The Carbine Club of the ACT in conjunction with the Canberra Racing Club present the 2025 Black Opal Stakes Racing Luncheon on Friday 7 March at the National Press Club of Australia in Barton. The luncheon coincides with the 52nd running of the Black Opal Stakes at Thoroughbred Park on Sunday 9 March.

The luncheon is open to members and guests and commences at 12 noon for a 12.40pm seating, concluding at around 4pm. The cost is $175 per person which covers a 3-course meal and all beverages including some very fine wines.

I’m pleased to announce our very special guest speaker at the luncheon will be Damien Oliver ‘GOAT’. There is no doubt Damien Oliver is the greatest of all time when it comes to Australian jockeys.

Blessed with natural talent and a fierce competitiveness and determination, Oliver made the incredible leap from a wide-eyed apprentice jockey in Perth to the top of Melbourne’s star-studded riding ranks.

His record is unrivalled - 128 Group 1 winners, three Melbourne Cups, four Caulfield Cups, two Cox Plates and a host of other top races.

No Australian jockey has won more Group 1s than Oliver. He sits nine ahead of the late George Moore, who was widely recognised as the greatest rider in Australian racing history. Oliver joined Moore in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2008, at the age of 36.

Damien Oliver’s story is one of triumph, passion, and overcoming adversity. He is a true champion, not just for his wins on the track, but for the inspiration he provides to aspiring jockeys and racing enthusiasts everywhere.

This event is not to be missed, book your tables and enjoy a great afternoon of racing history. 

Bookings are essential and should be made by COB Tuesday 18 February 2025.