The Goodwood renamed to honour McAvaney
One of South Australia’s most iconic races will carry the name of one of the state’s most celebrated sporting voices, with the South Australian Jockey Club announcing The Goodwood will be renamed The McAvaney Goodwood from 2027.
The Group 1 $1 million sprint, a feature of the Sportsbet Adelaide Racing Carnival at Morphettville each year, will be permanently linked to legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney OAM in recognition of his lifelong contribution to racing.
The announcement was made by SAJC Chairperson Judith Jones during the Sportsbet SA Racing Awards and Hall of Fame at Morphettville on Saturday night, where McAvaney was also inducted into the South Australian Racing Hall of Fame.
Clearly emotional following the surprise announcement, McAvaney described the recognition as one of the greatest honours of his career.
“That’s the biggest surprise of my life. I felt like crying at the time, and I probably still do. Can you believe it? I mean, what an honour,” McAvaney said.
“What an honour to have your name associated with the state’s premier race. A race that Black Caviar came to run in and Take Over Target, a race that Matrice won in the old days, and all of those great horses. A defining race in the state.
“It’s the most incredible, incredible gift I’ve been given as a sports broadcaster.”
SAJC Chairperson Judith Jones, Bruce McAvaney, Racing SA Chairperson Rob Rorrison and SA Premier Peter Malinauskas. Picture: Racing SA
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McAvaney remains a central figure in Seven’s coverage of the Sportsbet Adelaide Racing Carnival and was trackside throughout all three days of the Carnival at Morphettville earlier this year.
His connection with thoroughbred racing stretches back almost five decades. Racing was the launching pad for a broadcasting career that would see him become one of Australia’s most recognisable and respected sports commentators, beginning with his first race call at Mindarie-Halidon in 1977.
McAvaney continues to be one of South Australian racing’s strongest ambassadors, championing the sport both locally and nationally while helping showcase the Sportsbet Adelaide Racing Carnival to audiences across Australia.
First run in 1881, The Goodwood is among South Australia’s most prestigious thoroughbred races. Contested over 1200 metres, the race has attracted some of the nation’s greatest sprinters throughout its history and remains a centrepiece of the Sportsbet Adelaide Racing Carnival.
