V’Landys Enthrals Black Opal Stakes Luncheon

As is tradition, the Friday preceding the John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes played host to the 2020 Carbine Club Racing Luncheon. An event which included an encapsulating discussion with Racing NSW CEO and Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman, Peter V’Landys AM, the luncheon was enjoyed in good spirits by participants and racing-lovers alike.   

Mr V’Landys AM spoke about his path to the top and discussed a number of his notable achievements, namely the handling of the equine influenza, his early battles against the corporate bookmakers and the introduction of the Everest. 

The luncheon which is jointly run by the Carbine Club and the Canberra Racing Club was held at the National Press Club of Australia and saw the inductions of two recognisable Canberra names, Nick Olive and Rodger Bartholomew’s David Swann into the Carbine Club. 

The final social event in the lead up to the Canberra Carnival, the luncheon was capped off by a detailed discussion with a racing panel consisting of Sky Racing’s Glenn Munsie, Trainers Barbara Joseph and Joe Cleary as well as form analysts Simon Dinopoulos and Michael Heath. The expert group shared their thoughts on the features across the Carnival and praised the Club’s move to introduce a two-day carnival.

 
One lucky Canberra Racing Club member won a Maserati for a weekend thanks to John McGrath Auto Group.  

The event is an important fixture of the Canberra Racing Club’s calendar and looks forward to another successful edition in 2021.