SAJC, Wolf Blass AM in $1.4m Morphettville partnership

Event centre to be named after South Australian wine icon

Renowned South Australian winemaker and businessman Wolf Blass AM is personally investing $1.4 million into the South Australian Jockey Club further elevating Morphettville Racecourse as a major event and tourism destination.

In a significant vote of confidence in Morphettville’s vision for a 365-day event and function destination, Mr Blass has donated $1 million to the SAJC.

Mr Blass will also provide an additional $400,000 sponsorship to SAJC in return for naming rights of the $20 million Morphettville Event Centre, as part of a 15-year partnership which will ensure crucial funds can be reinvested into the premier racing and hospitality facility in South Australia.

The venue will be renamed the Wolf Blass ‘The Man’ Event Centre, a best-in-class event space in Adelaide’s southwestern suburbs catering for occasions ranging from boardroom lunches to corporate events, race day functions and weddings.

Mr Blass, who has a long association with SAJC Vice Chairman Judith Jones and the patronage and sponsorship of horseracing, said he has “full confidence” in the SAJC board owing to its vision and recent reform and modernisation of its constitution*.

“I have full confidence in their management to position the SAJC and Morphettville as a competitive and driving force to elevate racing in South Australia in the context of the rest of the country,” he said.

Ms Jones thanked Mr Blass for his generosity and said she was delighted when he approached her to donate to the club.

“The South Australian Jockey Club is proud and honoured to have Wolf Blass select us as a beneficiary,” she said.

“Wolf is an iconic figure not only in the wine industry but through his philanthropic support of community organisations, and with his backing we can further build on our vision for a dynamic and sustainable Morphettville.”

SAJC Chairman Bob Holton said Mr Blass’ support was a vote of confidence in the long-term outlook for Morphettville as the home of racing and events in South Australia.

“It is with great pleasure and gratitude that the SAJC accepts Wolf Blass’ donation of $1m towards construction of the Wolf Blass ‘The Man’ Event Centre,” he said.

“The building will be a valuable asset not just for racing and our members but for the wider community of Adelaide’s southwestern suburbs.”

Mr Blass has made his generous $1 million donation via the Australian Sports Foundation. The SAJC is seeking to raise an additional $1 million through the foundation towards the event centre’s construction.

All donations above $2 are tax-deductible and can be made here.

The new event centre, which is already under construction, will cater for up to 1150 guests.

*The SAJC Constitution was amended in 2022 to align with best-practice sporting club Constitutions and modernise the framework under which the SAJC operates.

Media: Renato Castello, Michels Warren PR on 0423 064 320