One of the most popular jockeys of any era, Malcolm ‘Miracle’ Johnston, is a superstar of the racing world, and he’ll be the guest speaker at the 2026 Narrandera Cup Calcutta.
Hosted at Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club on Saturday, July 11, the well-known jockey and racing personality will also attend the Community Bank Narrandera Cup meeting on Sunday, July 12.
His partnership with Kingston Town between 1979 and 1982 was unstoppable, winning the Cox Plate amongst many glittering victories, and Narrandera Race Club (NRC) Racing Manager, Michael Bailey, was thrilled to have the racing legend locked in ahead of his much-hyped appearance.
“The racing fraternity in Narrandera and district is very pleased to have Miracle ‘Mal’ Johnston as our special guest for the $70,000 Big Dance Community Bank Narrandera Cup racing weekend,” Bailey said.
“Miracle is a well-known, colourful racing character, and he’ll offer guests plenty of entertainment, along with inside racing stories that will flow at our Narrandera Cup Calcutta night on Saturday, July 11, and the following day at our Narrandera Cup meeting on Sunday, July 12.
“The NRC is very grateful for the support of Malcolm’s presence, which was made possible by the Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club board and members. The Calcutta night will be one not to miss, and a fun night is assured.”
Johnston’s career highlights include 2000+ winning rides across 11 countries, riding in 12 Melbourne Cups, his affiliation with Kingston Town (riding 25 of 30 wins, including the 1980 Cox Plate), and being involved in the biggest plunge in Australian Racing History.
Narrandera Race Club and Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club are proud to bring the community this special event.
This will be a free-entry event, featuring Sky Racing’s Graeme White and a bumper calcutta hosted by Drew Kenna.
The club is asking patrons to book their tables fast with Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club.
Narrandera Cup locked in as Big Dance qualifier
Narrandera Race Club is also excited to announce that the 2026 Community Bank Narrandera Cup, to be run and won on July 12, will serve as a qualifier for the $3 million Big Dance and the $750,000 Little Dance.
It’s a credit to the club’s hard-working committee and Racing Manager, Michael Bailey, for getting the NRC to the point of hosting a $70,000 feature race and giving local horses and owners a chance to compete in the richest Country Cup final in the world, held at Royal Randwick on the first Tuesday in November.
Since the Narrandera Cup became a Big Dance qualifier four years ago, the NRC’s feature race day has attracted stables from NSW, Canberra, Victoria and South Australia, adding to the spectacle that is the town’s biggest event.
The meeting continues to grow in stature, as do the crowds, fashions on the field, and Calcutta.
The NRC offered a huge thank you to Racing NSW for their continued support of the meeting, to Community Bank for their ongoing sponsorship, and to the community for getting behind the hard-working NRC.
Race dates locked in
The Narrandera Race Club have three massive race days scheduled for June 13, July 12, and August 15.
NRC 2026 dates
June 13 – LW Peacock Memorial Race Day
July 11 – Narrandera Cup Calcutta at Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club
July 12 – Narrandera Cup Race Day
August 15 – TC Lee Memorial Family Race Day
