The Boxing Day races will signal the start of an epic few months for the Sapphire Coast Turf Club on Monday.
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More than half a million dollars will flow through as prize money across three major race meets with the Tathra Cup and Bega Cup Carnival still to come early next year.
“That kind of prize money is unheard of and certainly never been seen in this district before,” club secretary/manager Rob Tweedie said.
On Monday, a five-race holiday card will be focused on family and friends catching up over the break, complete with all the regular trimmings of club day entertainment.
“Boxing Day is a chance for everyone who comes home or visits over the holidays to catch up and bring the community together,” Tweedie said.
The selfie photo booth proved extremely popular last year and will make a comeback.
Tweedie said it was completely free and there were some boas and props for people to go in the booth and share a laugh with their friends.
“We appreciate everyone who comes out to the club, so we like to give back in terms of a bit of entertainment beyond the racing," he said.
Meanwhile, Boxing Day serves as one of the best chances to get dolled up with fashions on the field to be a highlight for racegoers.
We appreciate everyone who comes out to the club, so we like to give back in terms of entertainment
- Rob Tweedie
The club will host prizes for the best-dressed couple, ladies under 30 and ladies over 30 on the day with everyone encouraged to throw on their favourite fascinator and join in the fun.
And leading into the races, the ladies could steal the show in more ways than one.
The Turf Club boasts an immense field of female jockeys that now outnumber the gents and Tweedie said they’re likely to clinch honours on the day.
“The ladies far outnumbered the blokes in Cooma recently, so we’re expecting another strong representation out on the track,” he said.
“And they’re racing extremely well, our champion jockey Rachel Hunt rode three winners at Moruya earlier this week.”
Conditions have been a bit dryer than expected, but a touch of irrigation and the course is in pristine condition for the race meet.
“You pump a bit of water into and the grass just grows,” Tweedie said with a laugh. “It really is in ideal condition.”
If you want to be part of our Boxing Day race gallery keep an eye out for our photographer or tag your selfies #SapphireRaces
Jacob McMaster
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
