Sport
9 November, 2024
Inaugural Cotton Cup Marquee Luncheon at Warren
The Warren Jockey Club have announced a new partnership and are launching an exciting new event.
Things are going to look a little different at this year’s Cotton Cup, with the Warren Jockey Club announcing a new partnership and launching an exciting new event.
In November, the Randwick of the West, will play host to the inaugural all-inclusive Cotton Cup Marquee Luncheon, an elegant affair, hosted in partnership with Wincott – Women in Cotton.
Wincott is a volunteer organisation formed more than 20-years-ago to support networking and learning opportunities for women in cotton growing communities.
Warren Jockey Club president Paul Smith said he was incredible excited to be launching this premier new event for the Macquarie Valley together with an organisation that supports rural cotton growing communities.
“With cotton being one of the biggest industries in our region, we thought it was only fitting that our new Cotton Cup event be launched together with the local cotton industry. But the marquee luncheon is not just for the cotton community, it’s for everyone,” said Mr Smith.
“We are really passionate about building racing in Warren back up to its former glory. It’s long been touted as ‘the Randwick of the West’ – one of the leading country racing tracks by trainers and jockeys. But we also wanted to add a touch of the Royal Randwick and Flemington flare for the punters too.
“And that flare comes in the form of our first ever Cotton Cup Marquee Luncheon, a Melbourne Cup
birdcage-influenced all-inclusive long luncheon. It’s set to be an unforgettable day filled with elegance, excitement, and entertainment, with some of the region’s top thoroughbreds competing for more than $250,000 in prize money,” added Mr Smith.
Melinda Swift and Georgie Carrigan, local representatives from Wincott said they were excited to be reigniting the conversations and events for ‘Women in Cotton’ in the area with the launch of the Cotton Cup Marquee Luncheon. The ladies believe the event is a chance to recognise the important role women play in agriculture and rural communities, and a wonderful opportunity to bring the entire community together.
“This year, we’re promoting and sharing the stories of women who are working on the land and contributing more broadly to the industry they love.
“Women play a significant role in the Australian cotton industry, and rural communities. We see women leading a lot of different businesses; and if they’re not leading, they’re key support factors. Women are a vital thread in our communities and can be seen in a variety of roles from owners to onfarm positions driving machinery and tending to the crop, and other roles like agronomy, finance, accounting, marketing, ginning, and fashion.
"The luncheon is a fantastic opportunity for everyone across the district to come together, celebrate the role we all play in rural communities, and just enjoy an afternoon of fun in the spring sunshine.”
Guests at the all-inclusive luncheon will be treated to prime view of the track from the hillside, cooled marquee, drinks all afternoon from a private bar, a delightful sit-down lunch from renowned central west caterers Eat Your Greens, live music from Mudgee’s Teniele Thomson, guest speakers, race entry, goodie bags, and more.
A coach will also be running, with luncheon guests offered free return transport from Dubbo, Narromine, Trangie, Nevertire, and Warren.
“If there is interest from other towns throughout the region, the Warren Jockey Club is also open to supporting some of the costs, so get a group together and reach out to us,” added Mr Smith.
For the first time in Warren, racegoers will also have access to delicious, handcrafted cocktails by renowned mixologist, Josephine’s Drinks.
“Fashion and style are always an important part of any race day, and this year we are amping up our ‘best dressed’ competition thanks to some very generous sponsors. So, make sure you ‘frock up’ in your best spring racing attire for your chance to win a fantastic range of prizes thanks to Blowes Menswear, Lou Webb Collections, Ellerslie Lane and By Banks, just to name a few, in categories including Best Dressed Lady, Gent, Couple, and Best Millinery,” said Mr Smith.
Tickets for the inaugural all-inclusive Cotton Cup Marquee Luncheon are on sale. Warren Jockey Club membership is also now open and available for purchase, with 2024/25 members offered an exclusive discount on luncheon tickets.
