Nash Rawiller named TAB Rockhampton Cup Ambassador
Published 15 May 2025
The Rockhampton Jockey Club has named the celebrated jockey Nash Rawiller as the Ambassador for the 2025 TAB Rockhampton Cup Carnival at Callaghan Park on July 4th and 5th.
A competitor at the recently conducted million dollar The Archer at Callaghan Park, Rawiller was quick to accept the RJC’s invitation to take on this year’s ambassadorial role.
Rawiller will be a tremendous draw card and an outstanding addition to the riding ranks for the One Syndications Newmarket and TAB Rockhampton Cup days. He will also be the club’s feature guest speaker at the TAB Calcutta function on July 4.
RJC’s Chief Executive Officer, David Aldred said he is thrilled to have Rawiller on board to assist the club’s 2025 Carnival promotion.
“This year our major race day clashes head on with the Sunshine Coast’s Caloundra Cup and Glasshouse and a jockey of Nash’s calibre will be in great demand,” Mr. Aldred said. “Nash could have quite easily turned down our offer and ride in the south, but he liked what he saw in Rocky, and now he is keen to return.”
Rawiller plans to stay on for a day or two extra in the Beef Capital to explore the region and is hoping to spend some time on the waters of the Capricorn Coast and go fishing.
With sixty-six Group 1 wins beside his name, including the lucrative 2005 Dubai Duty Free valued at $1.3 million in the UAE; 2004 Caulfield Cup riding Elvstroem; 2012 Golden Slipper on Pierro, multiple Doncaster Miles, a Doomben Cup and Doomben 10,000, 50-year-old Rawiller has achieved most goals in racing. One of the rides he will always be remembered for is his audacious win in the 2022 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
There are some moments in racing that take your breath away and Rawiller’s winning ride in the Queen Elizabeth at Royal Randwick three years ago was one of them. In a daring performance the champion jockey shocked his rivals. On a rain-soaked track, he steered Think It Over to the outside fence at the top of the straight, finding ground firm enough to unleash a powerful finishing surge and score a famous win.
It might be remembered as the “ride of the century”. Fortune favoured Rawiller’s bravery with his gamble paying off as Think It Over, sprinted in the shadow of Randwick’s towering grandstand almost scrapping the outside fence, running down Zaaki near the line.
Rawiller said the decision to take Think It Over to the outside fence was done on instinct. It’s that instinct that has help make Rawiller one of Australia’s most popular jockeys. The champion rider will be available for autograph signings and will be up front and personable during the carnival.
MUCH ADMIRED TASSIE CALLER ALSO ON THE CUP CARNIVAL GUEST LIST
The RJC has also invited recently retired number one Tasmanian race caller Colin McNiff for the Carnival. McNiff, who called his 35th Hobart Cup this year has never called a race with the horses running clockwise.
All of his calling has been done on Tasmanian and Victorian tracks. “I always wanted to call a race or two where the horses ran in a clockwise direction, I haven’t had the opportunity to do that so being a guest in Rockhampton I should be able to tick that box,” McNiff said. The race caller, regarded by many as one of the best in his profession, will also be an RJC guest speaker at the TAB Rockhampton Cup Calcutta.
TAB ROCKHAMPTON CUP CARNIVAL EVENTS
- Trackside Radio Broadcast – Tuesday 1st July
Tune into the 9904RO broadcast on Tuesday morning 1st July – interviews with trainers and jockeys
- One Syndications Newmarket Day – Friday 4th July
Kick off Cup Weekend in style with an action-packed day of racing!
- TAB Rockhampton Cup Calcutta Dinner – 6.00pm Friday 4th July
Join us for an evening of great food, great company, and the ever-popular Calcutta. Special guests and Award-winning Comedian, Lindsay Webb.
- TAB Rockhampton Cup – Saturday 5th July
Experience all the thrills and tradition of the prestigious Rocky Cup!
Whether you prefer the comfort of the Members Lounge, the buzzing energy of The Precinct, or a laid-back day with friends in General Admission, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. Members and guests can kick on after the last race at the after party on the front lawn, featuring local legends Dawn and the Sax.
For more information and ticketing visit: www.callaghanpark.com.au
RJC CEO, David Aldred.
