About Us
one of country NSW’s premier racecourses
The Mudgee Race Club has a vibrant community of both regional and city-based followers who enjoy the excitement, welcoming hospitality and location of our renowned country club and course.
Recognised as one of country NSW’s premier racecourses and located in the middle of the impressive Mudgee Wine Region, Mudgee Racecourse showcases a calendar of 8 race meetings annually, including the sell out Mudgee Cup (each December), Gooree Cup (each May), Bligh Picnic Races (since 1878) and The Country Championships (since 2015).
The Mudgee Race Club has a vibrant community of both regional and city-based followers who enjoy the excitement, welcoming hospitality and location of our renowned country club and course.
Since 1842 the beautiful and quintessentially country, Mudgee Race Club has been home to fun, friendly and prestigious regional racing events. Respected by trainers, jockeys and owners, horses come from far and wide to race at the Mudgee racetrack because of its outstanding and well-maintained track, well organised events, and the great following that the club has developed for over 179 years.
Mudgee is a renowned, contemporary country tourist destination and many visitors to the region add attending a Mudgee Race Meeting to their weekend away which enhances their experience, enjoyment, and memories.
The Racecourse
Mudgee’s Racecourse has a symmetrical circumference of 1800 metres with a back straight run of 300 metres from the 1400 metres starting chute to the first turn at the 900 metres. The Mudgee home straight is one of the longest in country NSW, being extended by more than 450 metres after a course rebuild and rising to the finish line over the last 50 metres. There are starts in the back straight for races over 1000 metres, 1100 metres, 1200 metres and 1400 metres.
Fashions On The Field
Fashions on the Field is an integral part of any great race day, and Fashions on the Field at each Mudgee Race meeting is no different. Ladies, gents, and children come from far and wide to enter our fun and relaxed fashion showcase, in an attempt to win an array of fabulous prizes from our sponsors and supporters. Each event brings a unique mix of high fashion and relaxed, but stylish outfits and lots of enjoyment for both the participants and crowds.
History
Mudgee was not declared a municipality until 1860, and in 1841 it is recorded that Mudgee had only 36 buildings, most of which were slab huts in addition to a hospital, post office, and the first Anglican Church (St John’s Church of England). Another year later, (1842) and still 18 years before it was acknowledged as a municipality the Mudgee Race Club was born; all before the town had even reached 200 European settlers (1951), the establishment of a Cobb & Co route (1853) and before the gold rush era.
During this time, one of the most renowned horses to have raced in Mudgee, named Jorrocks, circa 1833 – 1860, was carving a name in horseracing history. Bred by Henry Bayly from Bayly Park, Beaudesert, Mudgee. Jorrocks, (known as the “Iron Gelding”) was regarded as the first celebrity racehorse. Winning at least 65 races from 95 starts, Jorrocks’s last win, was at age 18 (unheard of in this day and age), which made him the oldest winning racehorse in Australian history.
Bligh Picnic Races
The Mudgee Racecourse has been the home of the Bligh Picnic Races since 1878, Australia’s oldest picnic race meeting. Regarded as one of the most glamourous and social sporting events in the region throughout its 143 year history, the Bligh Picnic Races were originally held over two days of racing, with an evening ball as well, adding to the glamour and prestige of the event. The Bligh Races still attract a strong crowd of more than 1000 patrons each year. Please note, the Bligh Picnic Races are not run by the Mudgee Race Club and any enquiries regarding this event should be directed here, enquire now.
Left Image: FROM THE ARCHIVES - Fashions from Bligh Picnic Races, 13 May 1939. Trove | Right Image: Jorrocks by FWB
Mudgee
The Mudgee Region is renowned for its beautiful wineries, wine festival and cellar doors, fabulous restaurants, cafés and foodie culture; and the many sporting, artistic and social activities that combine to build a thriving event calendar each year.
Mudgee boasts over 35 cellar doors to visit, with all of your favourite wine varietals, as well as many alternate styles to discover. There’s also boutique shopping, markets and great coffee to boot. Accommodation wise, there really is something for everyone, from high-end hotels and properties and guesthouses to niche cottages, glamping and caravan parks.
Our race meetings are often set on the same weekends as visiting NRL games and other exciting activities, which means visitors to our region can enjoy an action packed, family friendly getaway with something for everyone.
