Canberra is fortunate to have a number of truly special race days out at our own Thoroughbred Park. The next big event arrives on Sunday 9 March 2014 – with the $275,000 Seppelt Black Opal Stakes raced over 1200m as the feature of what looks like promising to be another fantastic party out at ‘T-Park’!

Now in its 41st year, The Black Opal Stakes program includes the ACTTAB Canberra Cup as well as two other listed races: the $120,000 Mercedes-Benz (Canberra) National Sprint and the $120,000 Canberra Guineas. It’s an impressive line-up attracting some of the nation’s best horses with a total prize pool of $831,000.

You’ve got to be in it to win it though, and for those who are keen to organise a group to head out to the races, be sure to get in early to secure yourself $10 early-bird tickets for the day. Click here to grab a bunch for you and your race-loving friends.

Along with the racing there will be plenty of activity off-course with live entertainment, food stalls and the Myer Fashions on the Field competition which again hopes to offer a record amount in prizes including cash, Myer gift cards and more valued at over $36,000.

Hospitality options are available and include the upgraded Picnic Place, Catbird Lane, as well as shared, private and home-straight marquees.

Meanwhile, tonight (Wednesday 12 February) sees Heat 2 of the Myer Face of Canberra Racing take place at Siren Bar and Restaurant in Gungahlin. For those keen to see the best of Canberra’s next crop take part in the competition head down from 7:00pm.

30 contestants (including one or two local celebrities you might recognise) are ready to step up in the hope of winning over $15,000 in cash and prizes and hold the position of the official Face of Thoroughbred Park for the next 12 months. Check out the wrap-up of Heat 1 by OutInCanberra’s own judge at the event, style guru Carly Devine.

The winner will commence her official duties on the Seppelt Black Opal Stakes day on March 9, 2014.

Finally, even though not every lady can make it through to the final, OutInCanberra is sponsoring the People’s Choice aspect of the competition. Visit the Favourite Face competition page to cast your vote for who you think should take the wild card entry into the final at Thoroughbred Park on Sunday 23 February at the Myer Canberra Race Day at Thoroughbred Park.

It’s all part of Canberra’s fantastic autumn of racing. Whether a contestant, a voter or enthusiastic race-goer, there is some way for everyone to participate in racing this year! Grab your tickets now!