Like painting the Sydney Harbour Bridge, planning the Murrumbidgee Turf Club’s annual 100 Club draw is a never ending job.
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Heading into one of their busiest weeks, MTC promotions manager Michelle Blacklock said preparations for the February 20 event began as soon as last year’s function wrapped up.
“We’re down to that final few stages of pulling it altogether and next week will be huge for the club, transforming the mounting yard into a venue for 350 people,” Blacklock said.
Entertainment had to be booked and the function planned before last August, with 100 Club opportunities going on sale in September.
With naming rights to the Wagga Gold Cup the ultimate prize, Blacklock says they were sold out before Christmas.
“We believe it’s one of Wagga’s most prestigious events and it’s always proved to be very popular.”
This will be the fourth year the event has been held in the mounting yard, after outgrowing the betting ring.
“It’s the perfect spot for it,” MTC chief executive Scott Sanbrook said.
“It’s amazing how it can go from being a saddling enclosure to such a wonderful venue, and Michelle was the visionary for that.”
Sandwiched between two key Country Championship race meetings, the function makes February a hectic time at the MTC.
As well as ensuring Cup fever arrives three months early, the 100 Club – now in its 21st year – has also grown into an event in its own right.
“There are quite a few people who get involved because they just enjoy being part of the gala night,” Sanbrook said.
“Not all businesses have a link to racing but they do see an importance in being involved.
“I think it puts a focus on the Cup right from early in the year and have people thinking about the Cup even though it might be months away.”
Sanbrook said he loves the fact that a sole operator has the same chance of owning Cup sponsorship for a year as a company employing hundreds.
“Everyone is in with an equal chance, so it’s a 100-1 chance every year,” he said.
That doesn’t mean it’s the same as punting your hard-earned on a longshot, with all 100 businesses guaranteed a return on their investment – winning naming rights to a race during the year.
