Southside Racing generates $400m turnover across 30 meetings

Wagering on Australian thoroughbred racing may have dipped about 10-15 per cent post the Covid-19 boom, but it’s a different story for the club born out of the Cranbourne-Pakenham merger.

Southside Racing chief executive Neil Bainbridge. Picture: File

Southside Racing has recorded significant milestones in its first six months of operation.

The merged entity, formerly Cranbourne Turf Club and Pakenham Racing Club, has bucked a national wagering decline with $400m turnover across 30 meetings – up 11 per cent on budget and five per cent higher than last year.

Australian thoroughbred wagering has dipped about 10-15 per cent post the Covid-19 boom but remains above pre-pandemic levels.

The inaugural Southside $1m The Meteorite and $1m The Supernova, Victoria’s first slot races, drew bumper crowds and competition.

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The Supernova rated Group 2, while The Meteorite delivered a notional Group 3 status.

Meteorite runner-up Rey Magnerio has since won the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes and placed third in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate last month.

Arkansaw Kid, luckless in the Meteorite, hit back to run second in the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes and The Supernova.

Philosopher, second last in the Meteorite, has won a Listed race since.

"Nadal from a mile back!"

Nadal shocks the field with a storming finish to take out the inaugural The Meteorite ☄️@cmaherracing@Ethan_Brown8pic.twitter.com/gs8noEDzVG

— Racing.com (@Racing) November 23, 2024

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Supernova winner Here To Shock resumed with a Group 1 win in New Zealand last month while Chorlton Lane and Just Folk – third and fourth respectively in The Supernova – have raced consistently in stakes company since.

Southside chief executive Neil Bainbridge thanked Racing Victoria, the State Government and broader industry for its support.

“The industry and community have rallied behind Southside Racing and the results speak for themselves,” Bainbridge said.

“We are committed to innovating, growing and delivering a world-class racing experience while playing a significant role in shaping the future of Victorian thoroughbred racing.”

Here To Shock hangs on in a thriller to win the inaugural The Supernova! ✨@LindsayParkRace dominate with the quinella 🔥@danielstack33pic.twitter.com/vcKdnJRapg

— Racing.com (@Racing) December 21, 2024

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Bainbridge said The Meteorite and The Supernova were the highest turnover races on their respective race dates.

The ‘Saturday Night Fever’ racing trial also exceeded wagering budget expectations.

The four meetings in December and January averaged more than $9m turnover off only seven-race cards.

Bainbridge said Southside remained committed to racing innovation and audience growth.

“Our main aim is to grow racing in the Southeast and attract new customers and participants to our sport,” Bainbridge said.

“The support we have seen from the community and industry has been incredible and we are just getting started.”

The final standings are in for the Southside Slot Series!

Southside Racing and our besties Moonee Valley Racing Club are neck and neck, but Southside takes the win on countback! 🏇

A huge thank you to all our Slot Holders for backing our inaugural Slot Holder Series. What a… pic.twitter.com/DITM6yh0p4

— Southside Racing (@SthsideRacing) December 21, 2024

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Southside was the first of Melbourne’s four metro clubs to make race day food and beverage prices more affordable.

Melbourne Racing Club and Victoria Racing Club have since followed the Southside lead.

Southside, host of 62 race meetings annually, is home to more than 1500 horses trained out of the Cranbourne and Pakenham complexes.

Southside stables – including Ciaron Maher, Mick Price, Te Akau, Peter Moody, Anthony and Sam Freedman and Lindsay Park – account for 30 per cent of all Victorian starters.