Sunshine Coast Turf Club ready to shine for Mooloolaba Cup

The summer carnival is ready to rip in Queensland this weekend with Australia’s most raced on track being the centrepiece for Saturday’s launch.

Kiaarn Dickens with Billy’s Bro pictured at Beachmere ahead of the TAB Mooloolaba Cup, 16th Nov 2024. Photo: Josh Woning/J&A Photography

The Sunshine Coast Turf Club is continuing to shine on the Australian racing stage with their ever-growing TAB Mooloolaba Cup race day quickly approaching.

The SCTC hosts the most race meetings of any track in Australia and second most in the world, only behind Singapore.

Former jockey and foreperson to champion trainer Tony Gollan, Kiaarn Dickens is a major advocate for Corbould Park’s success.

“The Sunshine Coast Turf Club is a modern club who really trail blaze in every aspect to attract new members,” she said.

“Their race day experience is one of the world’s best and the track is my favourite in South East Queensland.

“It’s a big spacious track which gives horses plenty of territory to work with and often trainers will bring their up and coming stars to kick off their careers at the SCTC.”

Now in its seventh year, the TAB Mooloolaba Cup Day has solidified its reputation as a marquee metropolitan event for racing fans and those seeking a day of unparalleled excitement.

An impressive $930,000 in prize money will be up for grabs on Saturday with the Swiss Ace Plate (1000m) and the Mooloolaba Cup (1600m) the day’s two main attractions.

“I’m very excited to be covering the Mooloolaba Cup because we will see some good quality fields and as always, every horse getting their chance on that big spacious track,” Dickens said.

Leading Caloundra trainers Stuart Kendrick, David Vandyke and recent Melbourne Cup winners John Symons and Sheila Laxon will be sure to have a host of chances on the day.

“David Vandyke is a trainer I have a lot of time for,” Dickens said.

“I like his training style and I admire his knowledge of his horses as individuals.”

Highlights for punters on the day include The Avenue, SCTC’s on-course festival area with live music, fashions on the field, lawn games and a TAB virtual reality activation hub.

Parents and children can also enjoy the extensive family fun zone, hosted by children’s entertainers, featuring pony rides, carnival-themed photo booths with dress-up ponies, jumping castles, and the SCTC Hobby Horse Championship.

The club has also recently launched a podcast in partnership with In Noosa Magazine and host John Caruso.

The three episodes cover the stories and racing journeys of experienced trainer David Vandyke, Melbourne Cup winning jockey Robbie Dolan and a peek behind the scenes with SCTC’s digital marketing co-ordinator Millie Carroll.