Newcastle Racecourse hosted its annual Hunter Club Gala Dinner on Friday 18 July, celebrating the strength of its business partnerships and the vital role they play in supporting the region’s premier racing events.
Held in the Trackside Marquee, the Gala brought together members of the Hunter Club, an exclusive network of 25 local businesses that support Newcastle Racecourse across its feature Race Days, along with Major Sponsors of the Club and distinguished
guests, including Newcastle Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge.
Now firmly established on the city’s corporate calendar, the event recognises the contribution of these businesses to more than 40 race meetings held annually, including 21 Saturdays.
Chief Executive Officer Duane Dowell said the Gala Dinner was a chance to thank sponsors and reaffirm Racecourse’s commitment to creating opportunities for business engagement and regional growth.
“We are incredibly proud to have developed such a successful event that engages our local community in what we do,” Mr. Dowell said.
“The Hunter Club is a powerful network of businesses who share our vision for the future of racing and the broader Newcastle community. This event allows us to formally recognise their support, celebrate our shared successes, and foster new connections within the network.”
A key feature of the evening was the highly anticipated race allocation draw, which gave attending businesses the opportunity to secure naming rights to some of Newcastle’s most prestigious races.
Among the coveted wins on the night were the Group 3 $250,000 Cameron Handicap, awarded to Local Search for Sharp Office Newcastle Gold Cup Day; the Max Lees Classic, drawn by Minco Tech for The Newcastle Herald Hunter Race Day; and the Ladies Day Cup, which went to Prosperity Partners for Spring Carnival’s Ladies Day.
Newcastle Bass Floor was also awarded the naming rights for Newcastle’s Biggest Christmas Party Race Day and the Christmas Cup.
In addition to the feature races, several other Hunter Club members were awarded naming rights for support races across The Hunter, Spring Carnival, Christmas race meetings and Horsepower Newcastle Stakes Day. The evening was marked by a
strong sense of enthusiasm and camaraderie as partners celebrated their race allocations and looked ahead to the racing season to come.
Guests enjoyed a new-season three-course menu curated by Head Chef Mark Davis, with entertainment by renowned magician the amazing ‘Ophir’ and MC duties expertly handled by long-time supporter and sports presenter Jim Callinan, ensuring a memorable and engaging night for all in attendance.
Mr. Dowell said the success of the Hunter Club Gala Dinner reflected the strength of the Club’s partnerships and the momentum building ahead of a packed Spring Carnival schedule.
“We’re proud to have built an event that brings together so many influential and engaged businesses,” he said. “Their support allows us to keep growing, delivering bigger and better race days, and continuing to position Newcastle as a destination for both racing and business.”
To view the full press release about The Hunter Gala Dinner celebration with our business partnerships, click here.
