KARI Foundation’s commitment to encouraging and showcasing Aboriginal excellence and opportunity shines again with our partnership with Club Menangle. This year will see the J.C. CAFFYN PLATE – Indigenous Drivers Series grow to three heats and four different NSW locations.
This year’s qualifying series will be held in Wagga Wagga (28th Sep), Maitland (12th Oct) and Parkes (14th Oct). The final will be held at Club Menangle on Sunday 28th October 2018.
J.C. CAFFYN PLATE – INDIGENOUS DRIVERS SERIES
The “J.C. Caffyn Plate” was first hatched back in 2010, when local businessman and Club Menangle director, Michael Brown, sponsored the race for the first year. He has continued to travel the state to show his support and passion for the concept. Along the way, he has also raised the profile of Aboriginal people in harness racing.
In 2017, KARI saw an opportunity to showcase the ability on the track of Aboriginal drivers. KARI strongly believed there was a way to showcase the Aboriginal culture and bring the community together.
2018 really shows the dedicated effort of both Club Menangle and the KARI Foundation with each Club hosting the J.C. Caffyn series qualifying heats including a cultural component to their race day.
This celebration gains more momentum, as on the 28th October Club Menangle and the KARI Foundation are hosting an inclusive cultural, employment and activities day.
Club Menangle is offering the public free access to this race day for all to enjoy, participate and learn about Aboriginal Culture.
Driver Jess Prior was presented with the J.C. Caffyn Plate last year, after she won with Blake Fitzpatrick’s trained Cilantro. Ms Prior was not only triumphant on the day, but also gained the largest win of her career.
KARI Foundation’s Cain Slater said:
“Our partnership with Club Menangle is growing from strength to strength each year. Each paceway with the series be conducting a special acknowledgement to Indigenous participation. HRNSW and Club Menangle will also have employment opportunities and activities all day during the final at Club Menangle. I encourage members of the public to join KARI and Club Menangle in celebrating as well as participating in Aboriginal culture.