A series of social events in the lead up to the Canberra Carnival kicked off on Thursday evening at the beautiful showroom of Mercedes-Benz Canberra. The John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes Cocktail Party saw 200 race-goers, fashionistas and industry heavyweights celebrating what is to be the inaugural Canberra Carnival.
The Club is ecstatic to announce a partnership with the Canberra Raiders. The Raiders are active and prominent in the community and will be represented on TAB Canberra Cup day by the Canberra Raiders - raiders.com.au Handicap a maiden handicap over 1400m.
Club mascot Victor the Viking and Canberra Raiders Development Officers will be on-course adding to the activations of the day. They will join a plethora of kid’s entertainment at the family-focused Tab Canberra Cup.
A late dive wasn’t enough for Sausedge to clinch the TAB Federal National Sprint Preview on Friday afternoon. The powerful burst was however, enough to ensure exemption from the ballot for the Listed Geocon National Sprint on John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes day. Matthew Dale’s talented mare was exceptional first up under a big weight. “We’re wrapped with her performance after missing the start and having to come wide, she’s pulled up very well.” Trainer Matthew Dale said.
The EPC Solar Canberra Guineas Preview saw a dominant performance from John Sargent’s group performed filly Foxborough. A perfectly timed ride from Irish apprentice Tom Sherry saw her finally break her maiden. Arguably Australia’s best maiden prior to Friday, she has a 3rd in the Group 1 Flight Stakes behind Funstar and Probabeel (NZ) to her name. “She’s quite talented, she was probably a little weak last preparation but she’s come back a lot stronger.” Trainer John Sargent said.
The track was upgraded from a Good (4) to a Good (3) after the first race. A training double to Team Snowden and riding doubles to Christian Reith and apprentice Tom Sherry.
Race 1
A picturesque Friday afternoon saw the launch of the Canberra Carnival. Patrons were treated to a wonderful afternoon of quality racing and live music at the Affinity Electrical Technologies Canberra Mile. The many who attended the third and final in a series of twilight meetings, enjoyed the talents of local musician Mike Horneman late into the evening.
In a major coup, the Canberra Racing Club and Carbine Club of the ACT proudly announces the identity of the guest speaker of the Carbine Club Luncheon as Peter V’Landys AM. Mr V’Landys AM holds key positions in two prominent organisations, the CEO of Racing NSW and Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, and is credited with the invention of the richest race on turf, the Everest. He is sure to offer a unique insight into the world of sport behind the scenes.
Canberra Racing Club Chairman Ian Mackay announced on Friday that the Club will be offering two bonuses in the first running of the TAB Lickety Split, a race for maidens over 1000m. “To entice the fastest maiden horses in the region the Club will be offering a bonus of $10,000 if the winner breaks 57 seconds and a further $10,000 if the winner can break the track record of 55.84 seconds.” Mackay said.
Richard and Michael Freedman have taken out the inaugural $150,000 Affinity Electrical Technologies Canberra Mile. Cinquedea (NZ) proving far too good for his competitors in an incredibly strong race. Stable representative Will Freedman was ecstatic with the gelding’s performance.
“He was at the peak of his powers today. It’s a huge honor to take out the first ever Canberra Mile. My father and uncle (Richard and Michael Freedman) are Yass boys so we have strong ties to this place”.
Today Canberra Racing Club Chairman Ian Mackay announced the Club would extend an offer to all firefighters, both paid and volunteer. This offer is for free entry to both days of the Canberra Carnival, the John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes (8th March) and the TAB Canberra Cup (9th March).
All firefighters can present themselves to the ticket office at Thoroughbred Park with their credentials to verify and receive a Carnival pass encompassing both days.
