A celebration of Max Crockett’s life will be held in the coming weeks but Friday’s massive Mudgee Cup meeting will also be a perfect opportunity to honour the master horseman.
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Crockett passed away on November 25 and there has since been an outpouring of tributes for one of the most respected figures in the racing game.
The Mudgee-based trainer and horse breaker passed away aged 74, having been regarded by many as one of, if not, the best horseman in the country.
Crockett broke in more than 7000 horses for all the great trainers including Bart Cummings, Tommy Smith, Neville Begg, Jack Denham and Les Bridge.
A celebration of Crockett’s life will be held at the Mudgee track from 2pm on Tuesday, December 18, but he will also be remembered on Friday.
“All riders will be wearing black armbands in the Cup as a mark of respect for Max’s passing,” Mudgee Race Club’s Colleen Walker told Racing NSW.
While cup day without Crockett will be a sombre affair, Walker stated there was still plenty of excitement around what shapes as a memorable day both on and off the track.
The club has a number of activities and entertainment planned on Friday including a Fashions on the Field with “some excellent prizes.”
“There is a real buzz about the place and virtually everyone I have spoken to is coming to our Cup day; spring is a great time of year for attending the races,” Walker said.
“Sky Racing Radio’s Big Sports breakfast will be broadcast live from the Oriental Hotel on Friday morning.
“However, preceding that on Thursday night will be a Cup Calcutta at the Oriental with proceeds going to Black Dog Institute.
“And courtesy of some much-needed rain during the week, the track is looking a picture and we will have an excellent racing surface.”
Nominations for the cup and the day’s other races will be released on Monday.
The showcase meeting sees minimum prizemoney for each race rise to $30,000.
