3 minute read
Mark Holden is set to 'touchdown' in Warrnambool alongside leading trainer Darren Weir for the 2016 ATB 'Rockstars of Racing' Celebrity Dinner.
The multi-talented Holden is now a successful Barrister in Melbourne, but says 'I'm more than happy to find the time to help raise money for a worthwhile charity like the Leila Rose Foundation.'
Joining a dazzling array of stars on Tuesday 3 May for dinner, the rock stars dinner has attracted Melbourne Cup winning jockey and local legend Pat Hyland, Cox Plate winner 'Miracle' Malcolm Johnston and local jumping legends Steve Pateman and Eric Musgrove.
Trainers Matthew Williams, Symon Wilde, Jarrod McLean and Daniel Bowman will fly the local flag at the event alongside Melbourne trainer Michael Hibbs.
Queen's Counsel David Galbally AM QC will deliver the key note speech on a night that is shaping as a sell-out event in its inaugural year.
Special Guests attending include Warrnambool Mayor, Councillor Kylie Gaston, Warrnambool Racing Club Chairman Des Roberts and RVL General Manager Racing & Chief Handicapper Greg Carpenter.
Hosted by one of Australia's most accomplished sports broadcasters Tiffany Cherry and the voice of Warrnambool racing Ric McIntosh, the 'Rockstars of Racing' Celebrity Dinner looks like the must-attend event of carnival week.
McIntosh and his cohort of racing experts will preview the Wangoom Handicap and Grand Annual Steeplechase to try and tip guests some winners.
Champion jockey and Cox Plate winner 'Miracle' Malcolm Johnston, regular race rider for champion 'Kingston Town' said he can't wait to get down to the 'Bool.
'Warrnambool's been on my bucket list for while so this is a great opportunity to come down and experience it for myself," Johnston said
After being inundated with requests for tickets, organisers today announced the 320-seat event would be held at Gingerkitchen at Deakin University to cater for the numbers.
Owner of Gingerkitchen JP Gaston said 'We are all excited about hosting the Rockstars of Racing dinner here at Deakin University.'
'The entertainment space is perfect for a gala event like this and we're thrilled to have the chance to show off what we do' said JP.
Warrnambool City Council CEO Bruce Anson has thrown council support behind the event and said 'The Warrnambool May Racing Carnival is a major economic driver for Warrnambool and building events around the carnival is a great initiative.'
Warrnambool-bred breeder and syndicator Darren Dance of Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock suggested the event would be a good fit for Warrnambool, partnered with racing industry marketing guru Mark Scaife (not the V8 racing driver but admires the great man) and got Scaife to come up with an entertainment format that might work.
The result is what Dance describes as 'probably the most extraordinary gathering of racing and entertainment personalities in Warrnambool for some time.'
And the stars keep coming.
'The Devoted Milliner' Cindy Vogels jets in from Queensland to judge the 'Best Dressed' awards for one lucky girl and guy on the night and has put up a designer hat as the main prize for the ladies. And the best dressed male will take away some gear from spring fashion icon Dom Bagnato.
Vogels of course shot to fame in late 2014 when her couture hats were picked up by style guru Brandon Maxwell and worn by international music superstar Lady Ga Ga.
"I can't wait to arrive in Warrnambool for the 2016 ATB Rockstars of Racing'® Celebrity Dinner ! How much personality can you fit into one racing industry event?' said Vogels. 'I've been an Ambassador for a few racing events before but this is a whole new level, so I'm just excited to be a part of it.'
Live entertainment on the night will be headlined by the funniest stand up comedian in Australia Paul Martell.
Martell of course hails from Ireland, emigrated to Australia, married Jane Scali of Young Talent Time fame and now spends his days doing a Vegas-quality stand-up routines on luxury cruise liners around the world. He jumps off the Queen Mary II to join the 'Rockstars' dinner.
Event Director Mark Scaife who has been hosting successful racing lunches for the past decade across the country, says Warrnambool is now ready for a sophisticated racing event that caters to both women and men.
"Our Rockstars of Racing® Celebrity Dinner and many other events like ours have become successful on the fringe of the industry because we promote thoroughbred racing to a sophisticated audience; provide a safe and classy environment for men and women and deliver value-for-money" said Scaife.
And it's hard to argue with the strategy when you consider the impressive line up already assembled.
Scaife, who survived his own near fatal heart attack at age 43, is more motivated than ever to help worthy causes through his racing events and announced that the 2016 ATB 'Rockstars of Racing'® Celebrity Dinner will support local charity the Leila Rose Foundation.
'This is the serious side of what we do' said Scaife. 'We've used many of our events in the past to help raise awareness for charities and we've donated more than $390,000 over the past 10 years' said Scaife.
'After meeting Dr Andrew Chow and his wife Tracey it was clear the Leila Rose Foundation was a very worthy local charity and we're thrilled we can help.'
'The Leila Rose Foundation is very grateful to Mark Scaife to be part of this gala event' said Foundation Director Dr Chow.
'The Rockstars of Racing® Celebrity Dinner will add a touch of prestige to what is a fantastic racing carnival here in Warrnambool and the foundation is immensely appreciative to receive part of the fundraising from this event”
One of the fundraising activities being planned is a chance to win a fantastic Vanuatu holiday Villa for 7 nights that sleeps 8 people.
The timing of the event is no coincidence and clearly has struck a chord with owners and trainers who have snapped up tickets to join the 'rockstars.' But Scaife insists he can't take all the credit.
"Darren Dance at Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock, who is probably the most successful racing syndicator to come out of Warrnambool in recent times, suggested we bring our unique brand of entertainment chaos to town."
"So we drove down, fell in love with the place and decide to have a go at creating something special" said Scaife. "But credit must go to Darren because without his support and encouragement, we simply wouldn't be here."
And just when you thought the dinner was enough, there's an Official After Party planned which is likely to kick on until midnight.
One final fling that Scaife says has become infamous at every racing carnival and which will feature 'piano man to the stars' Marty Rose coming in fresh from the F1 Grand Prix.
Marty won't be on his own for long with Mark Holden already planning to do an impromptu set of his greatest hits live !
Organisers have announced the release of 50 additional tickets at a cost of $250 each but they won't last long.
Bookings can be made on 0409 473 541 or online at www.warrnambool.latemaillunch.com and last minute accommodation can still be reserved at Deakin University.
