The Mort & Co King of the Mountain Horse Race returned at the Launch Night and Slot Auction in August, offering an event filled with anticipation and the opportunity to compete for a substantial $750,000 in prize money.
The highly anticipated launch event for the Mort & Co King of the Mountain took place beneath the bright lights of the parade ring at Clifford Park on the 17th of August. This occasion included the auctioning of the remaining two slots, providing an opportunity for passionate bidders and racing enthusiasts to secure their entry into the race. The stakes had never been higher, with a guaranteed entry into the Magic Millions for the next reigning winner.
“It’s a true testament to the talent of the Queensland racing industry. Yellow Brick took home the title last year, a Toowoomba-trained gelding,” remarked King of the Mountain Committee Chairman Paul Reedy.
During the launch event, the final two slots for the King of the Mountain Race were acquired by Jim Hanna and the Situation Syndicate. Attendees had the privilege of hearing from last year’s winning trainer and owner, Maddy Sears of Sears Racing, who shared her insights and experiences alongside this year’s Mort & Co King of the Mountain ambassador, Kiaarn Dickens. The guests also enjoyed Mort & Co’s delicious beef canapes and the soothing voice of Linda Capewell.
The Launch event and Slot auction raised an impressive $22,000 for the chosen charities, including Maddox’s Helping Hand Foundation, the Florey Institute, and the Queensland Off-The-Track Thoroughbreds program. This philanthropic aspect added significance to the festivities, highlighting the community’s commitment to making a positive impact alongside the thrill of horseracing.
With the success of our first event, we look forward to continuing in December with our Calcutta Evening followed by the Race Day on the 1st of January.