The fifth running of the $1 million ‘The Hunter’ will take place this Saturday, November 18th headlining an
exciting ten-race metropolitan standalone meeting at Newcastle Racecourse with total prizemoney exceeding
$2.5 million.
The Newcastle Herald Hunter, a 1300 metre race for top class sprinters is quickly becoming a race of the
highest quality with last year’s winner being the James Cummings trained Vilana who is a mulƟple Group
winner.
The Newcastle Herald Hunter will be supported by several feature races on the program including the Group
3 New Zealand Bloodstock Spring Stakes for three-year-olds over 1600m, the $300,000 New Zealand
Bloodstock Beauford for the stayers over 2300m and the NZB Max Lees Classic for two-year-olds over 900
metres.
A new exciting partnership between Racing NSW, Newcastle Racecourse and The Newcastle Herald for The
Hunter is a great coup for the club that will see increased exposure for the event in the lead-up which will no
doubt generate even bigger interest and crowds on the day.
New Zealand Bloodstock and its partners will sponsor 8 of the 10 race program with another race, The Alf
Kneebone Trans-Tasman Trophy, lining New Zealand trainers up against their Australian counterparts for
bragging rights over 1850m. Last year, the race was taken out by the Greg Hickman trained Rondino meaning
it is 1-all between the Aussies and Kiwis since the race’s incepƟon two years ago.
“We are most thankful to New Zealand Bloodstock for their ongoing support and are excited to welcome The
Newcastle Herald to be part of this day as well,” said NJC Chief Executive, Duane Dowell.
Plenty of activations are planned for the day to enhance the race day experience for patrons including
entertainment after the last race by the well renowned Sneaky Sound System.
Fashions on the Field, live music across the precinct and locally themed food and beverage offerings will
compliment a great social day out for race goers.
Duane Dowell went on to say the Hunter Race Day will provide another welcome boost to the region and
enable the club to showcase what’s great about Newcastle and Hunter Valley.
“Newcastle and the Hunter has so much to offer visitors and we hope this event provides widespread benefit
to the Hunter economy, especially the hospitality sector with increased visitation to our region.”
“We also want Novocastrians and Hunter people to embrace this day as their race day with much of our
marketing around that notion.”
“Our Region, Our Town, Our Race…. The Hunter.”
The day is best described by Racing NSW CEO Peter V’Landys who said, “The Hunter Race Day has quickly
become Newcastle’s version of The Everest!”
Race Day ticketing can be booked through the Newcastle Racecourse website, www.newcastleracecourse.com.au
For more information, please contact Duane Dowell at duane@njc.com.au