The Wine Country Race Club will host its first race meeting of the season on Tuesday, August 2.
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Newcastle Jockey Clubs CEO Matt Benson said the meeting will be the first run under the newly appointed Wine Country Race Club advisory committee.
The committee includes Bob Pynsent (Cessnock mayor), Bruce Wilson (Cessnock Leagues Club), Marlene Hartog (East Cessnock Bowling Club), Lee Kern (Watagan Grange Agistment Farm) and Jeremy Sylvester (local trainer).
The committee will be chaired by Benson and Bill Moncrieff (NJC director) will represent the NJC at meetings.
The aim of the advisory committee is to plan for better engagement with the local community to raise the profile of thoroughbred racing for enthusiasts and corporate supporters and assist in the planning of major events.
“The NJC is thrilled that this quality group of passionate supporters of local racing will give of their time to assist us with getting the Wine Country Race Club back to its rightful position as a pre-eminent event location for Cessnock and the local area.” Benson commented.
The NJC have been busy upgrading facilities at Cessnock including:
- A newly turfed and flattened turf area adjacent to the track in front of the main club building.
- New TAB service area and betting ring with new and improved flat screens for better viewing.
- Renovated café facility.
- New function room for 30-40 seated guests available to Sponsors, Owners and members.
There are also plans afoot for a change to the layout of the Mounting Yard to increase the size for horse movement and industry participant access.
Tuesday’s meeting will be a celebration for the Cessnock Premiership winners for the 2015-2016 season Brett Partelle (trainer), Robert Thompson (jockey) and Samantha Clenton (apprentice).
Meanwhile, the highly successful combination of Jeremy Sylvester and Robert Thompson were in the winners stall again at Canterbury last Saturday.
Lasszou runner up to stablemate Bayview Emperor at the Jungle Juice Cup meeting won the Highway Handicap at Canterbury on Saturday.
Sylvester and fellow Cessnock trainer Todd Howlett have both trained 15 winners in NSW for the season which concludes on Sunday.
Cessnock based Mikayla Weir apprenticed to Howlett has ridden 26 winners this season.
Thompson has ridden 73 winners in New South Wales this season and after the weekend his number of career winners stands at 4221.
