The influential breeder will be the guest speaker at the club’s Business and Barrels luncheon which is held at the Commercial Club.

Messara is the chairman and owner of Hunter Valley-based Arrowfield Stud.

He is also chairman of Racing NSW, deputy chairman of the Australian Racing Board and a member of the Australian Pattern Committee.

“John is one of the most influential figures in NSW racing, so to have him come down for the launch is fantastic,” club chief John Miller said yesterday.

“To take time out of his hectic schedule and travel from Sydney is great for racing in this area.

“John attended the Gold Cup last year and has seen the event first-hand and hopefully if it fits in with his schedule he will be able to attend again this year.”

The confirmed attendance of Messara continues the club’s recent trend of securing high-profile racing identities for the launch of the carnival.

Michael Rodd, Damian Oliver, Dan Nikolic, Hugh Bowman, Peter Moody and Nash Rawiller have all been guests in recent years.

Arrowfield Stud is based on 890 hectares near Scone and has an international reputation as a stallion-maker including the great Danehill.

Champion sire Redoute’s Choice presently heads the stud’s roster.

Messara began his professional life as a stock-broker, established the Arrowfield Group in 1985.

He has played a key role in the Australian breeding industry’s significant growth during the past 28 years as a past chairman of Aushorse Marketing and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia.

The two-day carnival starts on March 21 with the $170,000 Listed Albury Gold Cup (2000m) the following day and will offer a combined $725,800 in prizemoney, trophies and bonuses over the carnival.