Belinda and Luke McCarthy's Cobbity Equine Farm new AHRC sponsor

The McCarthy stable is regarded as one of the most powerful in the nation with King Of Swing and Expensive Ego two of their biggest stars.

The husband and wife team are also growing in popularity in the breeding industry with stallions Bling It On and For A Reason in high demand from industry participants.

AHRC committeeman Tim Doherty said it was an exciting coup to have one of the biggest names in the sport involved with the club.

"Cobbity Equine Farm is arguably the most progressive stud in the country," Doherty said.

"They have gone from standing two stallions to six in the past 12 months.

"I've bred with Cobbity the past couple of years and they have been terrific to deal with.

"Belinda was born and bred in Canowindra, so she is a country girl at heart and understands how important it is for bush clubs to survive.

"Harness racing is still strong in the Riverina and any additional exposure could be beneficial for their business."

As part of the sponsorship deal, the McCarthy's are offering two service fees to one of their stallions.

A service fee costs up to $2500.

The club has erected a sign on the back straight featuring Bling It On.

Doherty said the club was planning to use the service fees to entice runners to compete in the String Of Pearls and Albury Derby held at its Carnival of Cups meeting on Friday, February 11.

"The service fee is to Bling It On or For A Reason," Doherty said.

"The club is thinking that any trainer that has a runner in the String Of Pearls or Albury Derby will go into a random draw to win the service fee.

"The past couple of years the club has struggled to get full fields for the two feature races.

"So this could be a nice carrot to dangle to ensure we get a full field.

"Especially if the prize goes to any trainer in preference just to the winning trainer.

"The club has also renamed the back straight the 'Bling It On' back straight.

"So the racecaller will refer to it as that from now on."

ALSO IN SPORT

Doherty said the club had also significantly boosted prizemoney for its Carnival of Cups meeting.

"The String Of Pearls and Albury Derby will be worth $14,500 plus the service fee," he said.

"The Albury Pacers Cup will be $19,800.

"The club has boosted prizemoney in a bid to attract some quality pacers.

"Belinda has already indicated that their stable will endeavor to bring down a truckload of horses.

"To have one of the biggest stables in the country having runners is hopefully a big drawcard and the club can attract a big crowd in the family friendly timeslot."

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