The first invitation to Pacing for Pink race night will be offered this Saturday night, with the Colin Watts OAM Golden Easter Egg taking centre stage at Club Menangle.
Traditionally held at the former Fairfield Harness Racing Club, the time-honoured event for three year old fillies has a rich history dating back to its inaugural running in 1965, which was won by Smart Fancy for Bill Wilkins.
Notable winners across the years include Serene Queen, Milford Mary, Miss Paula, Alitomo and more recently Not to be Denied, Peaceful and Luv the Nitelife.
In 2026, the race is now named in honour of Colin Watts, who was a Club Menangle life member and proudly served as an administrator for more than 50 years on the committee and as the president of the Fairfield Harness Racing Club.
Mr Watts was instrumental in having that club’s two feature races, namely the JD Watts Memorial and Golden Easter Egg Stakes, continue, and are now conducted at Menangle and part of Club Menangle’s feature race calendar.
This year’s edition carries $30,600 in prizemoney and will be conducted over the 1609 metres in line with the distance change to the John Gibson Memorial NSW Oaks, which will also be conducted over the flying mile.
The winner of the Golden Easter Egg will receive an automatic invitation to contest the Group 1 NSW Oaks on Saturday, May 2.
Sparkling Sea, who won the Group 3 Ultra Air J L Raith Memorial back in March, has drawn barrier two for David Hewitt.
The filly by Lather Up USA out of Serene Sea has already posted three wins from four starts this season.
Beachbabe Crocker lines up from barrier five for trainer Wayne Dimech and driver Bailey McDonough with an impressive career record of five wins from 21 runs, with a further seven minor placings.
Fake Friends, who was a recent stable addition for Jason Grimson, has come up with the outside barrier of seven and will be looking to make it back-to-back wins at Club Menangle after scoring on March 24, driven by Cameron Hart.
Pacing for Pink race night – proudly supported by Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers – will be on Saturday, May 2.
It will see Club Menangle Trackside turn pink in support of the McGrath Foundation, raising awareness and funds for this great cause.