Thoroughbred Park will play host to the Canberra Racing Club’s first-ever Tuggeranong Cup on Good Friday, 7 April, 2023. Photo: Liv Cameron.
Racegoers on Canberra’s southside will have an opportunity to don their fascinators and place their bets when the inaugural Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong Cup is held on Good Friday.
With the introduction of Good Friday horse racing proving popular with punters in 2022, the Canberra Racing Club decided to give south Canberrans their own special day out.
The club was the first on the eastern mainland to introduce Good Friday racing last year and the huge crowd, coupled with exceptional industry engagement, solidifying the day’s place on the Canberra racing calendar.
Canberra Racing Club chief executive Darren Pearce said the Tuggeranong Cup would take racing in Canberra to the next level.
“It’s another step forward in our efforts to connect with the Canberra community, welcoming friends from the south to Thoroughbred Park,” he said.
“We want this race day to be something South Canberrans see as their own and are proud of.”
The first Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong Cup will be a $30,000 Benchmark 65 over 1600 metres, held at Thoroughbred Park on 7 April, 2023.
With free entry to the grounds, the event is expected to attract record crowds on the first day of the four-day long weekend, with nine high-quality races, including the inaugural Tuggeranong Cup, plus live music and the Underground Spirits Gin Lawn.
Racing club marketing and sponsorship manager Robbie Ringland is encouraging families to enjoy a great day out, and local businesses to get involved in the event.
As well as pony rides, a jumping castle and face painting for the kids, the Easter Bunny will make a special appearance with goodies for the little ones.
Racegoers relaxing on the Underground Spirits Gin Lawn. Photo: Dalice Trost.
Robbie said the community was quick to support the first Good Friday Race Day in 2022, with a bumper crowd turning out.
“Our patrons this year will be able to say they were there for the first-ever Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong Cup,” he added.
Brindabella MLA and Shadow Minister for Gaming and Racing Mark Parton is thrilled by the concept and hopes the Tuggeranong Cup can grow into a highlight on the Canberra event calendar.
“It is wonderful that the Tuggeranong and south Canberra community will have a cup to call its own,” he said.
“The people of our community are proud of where they come from and deserve to be celebrated with this initiative on what is already one of the most well-attended race days at Thoroughbred Park throughout the year.”
The racing club is partnering with the Canberra Southern Cross Club, which is continuing its contribution to the community.
The Southern Cross Club at Woden hosted one of the flagship events, the TAB Canberra Cup Calcutta, in March.
Shuttle buses will run from the Southern Cross Club’s Tuggeranong and Woden venues on the day, and south Canberra businesses that wish to be involved are encouraged to contact the racing club.
“We’re definitely looking to engage with businesses and organisations through sponsorship and hospitality packages,” Robbie said.
Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong venue manager Jason Lowe-Moon said the club had long supported a wide range of local sporting groups and events.
“With four of our five venues being southside, we are excited to be the major sponsor of the inaugural Canberra Southern Cross Club Tuggeranong Cup and we look forward to hosting racegoers before and after the race meeting at our venues,” he added.
Book Tuggeranong Cup sponsorship packages and keep up with the latest Canberra horse racing events at the Thoroughbred Park website.
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