Scone Race Club is proud to announce leading thoroughbred nursery Arrowfield Stud as the new Naming Rights Partner of the Scone Cup, marking a major new chapter for the Club and the Upper Hunter racing community.
From 2026, the $200,000 Listed feature will be known as the Arrowfield Scone Cup, further strengthening the alignment between one of Australia’s most respected breeding operations and one of the nation’s premier country racing carnivals.
Arrowfield’s expanded partnership builds on its long-standing connection to the Club, which already includes the 2026 naming rights to the Group 3 Arrowfield Dark Jewel Classic, the showpiece of the Carnival’s second day.
The announcement comes at a time of strong momentum for Scone Race Club, following the commencement of its landmark three-year partnership with Magic Millions as Exclusive Thoroughbred Auction House Partner, including the establishment of the Magic Millions Mounting Yard at Scone Racecourse.
Together, these partnerships signal a powerful new phase for the Scone Racing Carnival, which each May attracts leading trainers, owners, and breeders from across the country for two days of elite racing in the Horse Capital of Australia.
Scone Race Club CEO Jason Hill said the Arrowfield partnership reflects the Club’s ambition to continue elevating the Carnival’s national standing.
“To welcome Arrowfield as Naming Rights Partner of the Scone Cup is both a natural fit and an exciting progression for the Carnival,” Mr Hill said.
“Combined with our new Magic Millions partnership, it signals a powerful new era for the Scone Racing Carnival and its place on the national racing calendar.”
Arrowfield General Manager Paul Messara said the partnership represents a genuine collaboration rooted in community and industry leadership.
“Scone occupies a unique and significant position within the Australian thoroughbred industry as the recognised Horse Capital of Australia,” Mr Messara said.
“We are proud to align ourselves with an organisation that sits at the heart of both our community and our industry, and we see real opportunity to further enhance the profile and vitality of racing in Scone.”
The announcement marks the transition of the Scone Cup Naming Rights following a nine-year partnership with Darley, which commenced in 2017.
“Over the past nine years, Darley has been an exceptional supporter of Scone Race Club and the Scone Cup Carnival. Their commitment, particularly during the uncertainty of COVID, demonstrated genuine belief in our Club and our region,” Mr Hill said.
“They have been more than a sponsor, they have been a true partner, sharing in our vision to elevate the Carnival and strengthen racing in the Upper Hunter.”
Godolphin and Darley Australia Managing Director Andy Makiv said the past nine years had been a significant period for the business.
“We’ve valued the nine years as Naming Rights Partner of the Scone Cup and the strong partnership we’ve built with the Club,” Mr Makiv said.
“We’re proud of the role Darley has played during that time and of the way the Carnival has continued to grow.”
“We’re excited to continue as a sponsor of Scone Race Club and to remain actively involved in the Carnival, both commercially and with our Godolphin horses competing each year. Scone is an important part of our calendar and our operations, and we look forward to playing a key role in its future.”
The partnership period from 2017 to 2025 saw the Carnival cement its place as one of Australia’s premier country racing events, and Darley will continue its sponsorship of Scone Race Club and its active involvement in the Scone Racing Carnival moving forward.
The Arrowfield Scone Cup will headline the 2026 Scone Racing Carnival in May alongside the Group 3 Arrowfield Dark Jewel Classic, as Scone Race Club continues to strengthen its position as one of Australia’s leading country racing destinations.
