As one of the few law firms that practices in thoroughbred breeding and racing law, we’re delighted to return as proud sponsors of the prestigious Caulfield Cup Race Day at Gold Coast Turf Club. Our Legal Practice Director, Jeff Garrett, who is also a passionate racehorse breeder and owner, shares his insights into why our firm remains committed to this exhilarating event and offers his top tips for the day.
After a stellar turnout last week for the TAB Everest Cup in Sydney’s Royal Randwick Racecourse, the Spring Racing Carnival in Australia is in full swing with attention now turning towards this Saturday’s Caulfield Cup race.
And what an event to follow up on. Only in its seventh year, the TAB Everest Carnival had more than 45,000 attendees closely watching from trackside. With a $5 million uplift in prizemoney this year, the race is now known as the world’s richest turf race with an impressive total of $20 million up for grabs.
This year, Think About It won the $7 million first place prize in the headline Everest race, jockeyed by Sam Clipperton and trained by Joseph Pride, followed by I Wish I Win (NZ) and Private Eye in second and third place, respectively.
Although Sydney is vying for prominence in the racing world, Melbourne still tops the list with the nation’s leading races, including the Caulfield Cup race held at Caulfield Racecourse on 21st October, and the “race that stops a nation” the Melbourne Cup, which will be held at Flemington on 7th November.
Despite the prize money coming in at a much lower $5 million, the Caulfield Cup Race Day holds a pivotal role in the Spring racing calendar, serving as a crucial steppingstone for horses aiming to compete in the renowned Derby Day, which will be held on 4 November at Flemington.
This year marks the 11th anniversary of Attwood Marshall Lawyers proudly sponsoring the Gold Coast Turf Club’s Caulfield Cup event at Aquis Park. It’s a privilege to be part of an event that brings joy to so many and highlights the dedication of the equestrian community.
With the Turf Club getting closer to completing its $63 million redevelopment, we know that this Saturday will be an exciting day, with punters able to take in some of the most anticipated races on the calendar.
Adding an exciting twist to the upcoming races, we’re thrilled to share that a horse with a special connection to the law firm will be gracing the track in Melbourne.
Our Legal Practice Director and racehorse breeder and owner, Jeff Garrett, has a horse competing at Caulfield on Saturday. Race 3, #2 Apulia will compete in the three-year-old “Neds Caulfield Classic,” which is due to start at 11:50am and is an important lead up race to the VRC Derby.
Caulfield Cup race day tips
The Caulfield Cup race is run over 2,400 metres at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne. As we approach race day, here are Attwood Marshall Lawyers Legal Practice Director Jeff Garrett’s tips for the day:
“My favourite is Montefilia (#4) ridden by Blake Shinn and trained by Chris Waller. She has found her form at the right time and is over the odds at $13.”
“I’d also back last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip (#1) with a sparkling return to his best form for Turnbull Stakes earlier this month. Although his focus will be the Melbourne Cup, he is a deserved favourite for the Caulfield Cup.”
“Other dangers are Japanese horse Breakup (#3) ridden by Damian Lane and trained by Tatsuya Yoshioka, Soulcombe (#8) ridden by Craig Williams and trained by Chris Waller, and the roughy is Right You Are (#11) ridden by Michael Dee and trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.”
“My recommendation is to box those five horses in a trifecta for a half or $30.”
Attwood Marshall Lawyers are excited for the day and will be watching the 8 local races from the corporate suites at the Gold Coast Turf Club, as well as keeping our eyes glued to the screens for the live-streamed interstate races.
As an organisation with a shared interest and passion for the racing industry, our sponsorship of the Turf Club’s Caulfield Cup Race Day has not gone unnoticed by key stakeholders.
Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Steve Lines said it was fantastic to have continued support from Attwood Marshall Lawyers, which has a legal department dedicated to thoroughbred racing law.
“It’s wonderful to have such loyal support from an organisation that the club has held an association with for over 20 years,” said Lines.
“Attwood Marshall Legal Practice Director Jeff Garrett was a Board member of the club from 2009-2014 and has always been very supportive, so it’s great to see that association continue.”
What’s the latest on the upgrade at the Gold Coast Turf Club?
Attwood Marshall Lawyers has been affiliated with the Gold Coast Turf Club as a corporate sponsor for over 20 years. Legal Practice Director Jeff Garrett served as a board member for over five years from 2009, and the firm is proud to be a long-term sponsor of the Listed Silk Stocking Race for fillies and mares.
The Gold Coast Turf Club is currently working through Stage 2 of its upgrade, which is expected to be complete by December this year. This stage includes the refurbishment of Course Proper with the installation of a new irrigation system, drainage, removal of crown in the home straight and the completion of lighting for night racing. The Kikuyu grass and profile will be retained.
Stage three of the upgrade also began in July, involving the realignment of B Grass and Plough training tracks, installation of irrigation for both B Grass and Plough training tracks, and construction on the portion of the tunnel underneath G Grass and Plough.
The first section of the turf was laid in May, after being grown on a farm in Caboolture over an 18-month to two-year period.
The recent redevelopment is poised to transform the Gold Coast Turf Club and not only promises to create new job opportunities and boost commercial activities but also help solidify the Gold Coast’s reputation as a top-tier racing destination.
With the inaugural night races scheduled for early 2024, it’s an exciting moment for the Gold Coast’s tourism sector, racing enthusiasts, and our local community.
We are excited to see the transformation of this fantastic venue and can’t wait for its completion.
Attwood Marshall Lawyers – experts in thoroughbred breeding and racing law
Attwood Marshall Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers who understand the racing industry and the ins-and-outs of owning a racehorse.
Our senior lawyers are heavily involved with the racing sector and have hands on experience in breeding and owning thoroughbred horses.
Whether you need assistance with stallion and racehorse syndications, appeals for jockeys and trainers, business structuring advice, taxation advice and ATO industry audits, or are involved in a horse ownership contract dispute, we can help.
If you have a thoroughbred breeding, racing or equine law enquiry, please contact our Equine Law Department Manager, Amanda Heather, on direct line 07 5506 8245, email aheather@attwoodmarshall.com.au or free call 1800 621 071 at any time.
Our team are available for appointments at all our office locations at Robina Town Centre, Coolangatta, Southport, Kingscliff, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.
