MEDIA RELEASE: 29 July 2009

NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2009 RACING’S NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS

The New South Wales Racehorse Owners Association (NSWROA) is pleased to announce the nominations (in alphabetical order) in respect of our annual awards for the 2008/09 season:

The awards are to be presented at a prestigious charity evening to be held at The Grand Pavilion, Rosehill Gardens Racecourse on Thursday, 13 August 2009. Other awards to be presented on the night include the NSWROA Industry Recognition Award, the NSW Broodmare of the Year, the Queen of the Autumn Award, the T J Smith Award, the George Moore Award, the Theo Green Award and the “big one”, the Luxbet.com NSW Champion Horse of the Year.

Another feature of the night will be the inaugural presentation of the Bart Cummings Medal. This award is named after industry icon, Bart Cummings, in recognition of his contribution to the thoroughbred racing industry over many years and unparalleled achievements as a trainer. The award acknowledges consistent, outstanding performances amongst jockeys and trainers at NSW metropolitan race meetings through the racing season with points being determined by a panel of leading racing media figures.

As the night is in aid of Redkite – Australia’s leading cancer support charity who provide valuable assistance to children with cancer and their families, we are confident that everyone will “dig deep” to help this very worthwhile cause.

Without giving too much away about the night, some of the incredible items that will feature in the Monster Auction will include:-

• a wonderful trip to Dubai for the opening of the Meydan Racecourse, the world’s largest racecourse, for the 2010 Dubai World Cup – a definite once in a lifetime experience; and
• the ‘Anita’ necklace by Lester Brand – a Baby South Sea pearl strand strung with an 18ct white and rose gold enhancer set with diamonds.

The Silent Auction item categories include: Accommodation, Art, Electronics, Horse Products, Jewellery, Memorabilia, Millinery and Technology, to name but a few.

In other “firsts” for the night, there is a FREE bus service which will run from Randwick and the City to the function; discounted hire car rates have been obtained and a special “Racing’s Night of Champions” rate (including breakfast) is available at the Mercure Sydney Parramatta (a short distance from Rosehill Gardens) for those seeking accommodation close to the function for the night.

And finally just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the Tim Freedman Trio, featuring Aria Award winning singer/songwriter Tim Freedman, will provide the feature entertainment whilst the Gotham City Horns are our after party band.

Tickets are selling fast, so BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment. For more information regarding the 2009 Racing’s Night of Champions, contact the NSWROA office on telephone (02) 9299-4299, by email nswroa1@ozemail.com.au or visit the NSWROA website www.nswroa.com.au.