Huge crowd turns out for inaugural Wagga race day backing Can Assist
Music was provided by Aleyce Simmonds. Photo by Kabel Dawes.
The sun was out and so was the community spirit at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club on Saturday, as a crowd of more than 1200 turned out to support the inaugural Can Assist Charity Race Day.
While seven local races provided plenty of trackside thrills, the family-friendly atmosphere was the day’s big winner.
A jam-packed Kids Fun Zone kept the little ones entertained, two-time Golden Guitar award winner Aleyce Simmonds provided the soundtrack for the afternoon, and punters kept one eye on the big screen for live coverage of The Everest from Royal Randwick.
The event was a new partnership between the MTC and Can Assist Wagga, designed to raise vital funds and awareness for regional cancer patients, and leaders from all organisations were thrilled with the result.
Majella Gallagher, Gerry Grant, Mardi Walker, Natalie Philps from Can Assist. Picture by Kabel Dawes
Lilier Lodge General Manager and Can Assist Wagga representative Richard Moffatt said the charity “jumped at the opportunity” to host the race day.
“We are thrilled with our first race day in partnership with the MTC, as it allows for vital funds and awareness to be raised for cancer patients in NSW,” he said.
MTC chief executiveJason Ferrario praised the collaboration.
“The Can Assist team has been fantastic to work alongside in bringing this day to life. Raising vital funds and awareness for cancer patients is close to many people’s hearts and a cause we are proud to be aligned with,” he said.
The sentiment was shared by John Nixon, president of Can Assist Wagga.
“The day has gone fantastically and the MTC has done a great job,” he said.
“My volunteers have done a great job; today is about raising money, but also getting our name out there, as people don’t know who we are.”
Watching families enjoy the atmosphere, he added, “today is all about the family, and there are kids having fun in the play area, and it’s great.”
Following the strong turnout, the MTC is confident the charity day will become a cornerstone of its annual calendar. As Mr Ferrario put it, “from little things, big things grow.”
dailyadvertiser.com.au
October 20 2025
