One of the strongest country race clubs in NSW, Muswellbrook in the heart of Hunter Valley horse country, holds one of the major carnivals every year.

It embraces two successive days of racing with the second day being on the first Tuesday in November and in consequence coinciding with the Melbourne Cup meeting at Flemington.

The Muswellbrook Cup day, one which this year is on November 7, is a unique one in that six of the races are run as a twilight TAB covered fixture, one which is staged after the running of the Melbourne Cup, an event which has big exposure at the meeting. Among the races at Muswellbrook on the second day are the $40,000 Mt Arthur Coal Muswellbrook Cup, an Open Handicap (1750m), $15,000 Tooheys Skellatar Sprint Open Handicap (1000m) and Muswellbrook Class 6 Marathon (2300m).The Cup carries a $10,000 BOBS bonus and every other event one of $5,000.

All races on the first day of the Muswellbrook carnival, Monday, November 6, also have $5,000 BOBS rewards available as well as the prize money.This day is billed as the ANZ 'Home Lender of the Year' Ladies Day and is normally a very well attended colourful event.The main race on the is the $10,000 Open Handicap over 1280m. It is supported by Class 1, 2, 4 and 5 Handicaps carrying $7,000 and three other $6,000 events.

Thousands are likely to be at Muswellbrook on theTuesday, one which has a half day holiday for the area so all the residents have the opportunity to attend.

The big, roomy Muswellbrook racecourse, one which has a long testing straight, is set in picturesque tree studded surrounds with plenty off room for patrons to picnic or enjoy the facilities provided by the Club including an air conditioned VIP Marquee.

Sponsors and guests tickets are available from the office on (02) 6541 1699, fax (02) 6543 4553 or email secretary@mbrookraceclub.com.au.