Jag flies the flag for men's health at annual Men Matter Raceday

By Dylan Mutu

Men’s health will be at the forefront of the minds of race goers at tomorrow’s Men Matter Raceday at the Gold Coast Turf Club.

The day is the brainchild of GCTC Chairman Brett Cook, which has helped shine a spotlight on men’s health initiatives, both physical and mental, in the Sunshine State since 2021.

Starting as an idea to fill the gap in dedicated men's health awareness, the Men Matter Raceday has grown into one of the most well-attended events on the Gold Coast.

Now in its fourth year, the annual fundraiser has continuously expanded, uniting both men and women to raise over $270,000 for men's health charities in the past three years — a feat Cook couldn’t be prouder of.

"About four or five years ago, I saw how big Pink Ribbon had become in the last decade or so, and I looked in the men's space and there was just no one there talking about men's health," Cook said.

"The idea was put to me to start the event, which we started from scratch, and I think so far we've been pretty successful in raising awareness for men's needs.

"The most pleasing part for me is the event centre standing right behind you. There will be about a thousand people there on Saturday."

"I think 800 to 900 people have attended every year from year one to year four, so it's easy to make a day successful when you've got that sort of support behind you."

Support for the Men Matter Raceday is even more meaningful when key participants from various sporting codes across Australia lend their backing to the initiative.

Joining the ranks of athletes like Sam Thaiday and Peter 'Spida' Everitt, who champion the Men Matter Raceday, is rising hoop Jag Guthmann-Chester, a strong advocate for the cause.

Over the years, many male athletes, including top jockeys in Australia, have begun to speak out about their health battles, thanks to the growing support and awareness surrounding the issue.

“I think it's a fantastic initiative by the Gold Coast Turf Club to create a race day that raises awareness about this important issue,” Guthmann-Chester said.

“It’s great to involve not just men, but women as well, bringing everyone together on race day to spread awareness and encourage people to reach out for help.”

Earning a reputation as one of the most underrated jockeys in Queensland, according to some of his peers, the Gold Coast-based rider has enjoyed a career-best season.

With over 80 victories this year, the 25-year-old is thrilled with his progress and the new level he’s achieved in his craft.

“Yeah, things have really taken a turn this season,” Guthmann-Chester said.

 “In the past four or five years, I’ve usually been around the 50-win mark. My goal this year was to break into the 70s, so hitting 82 has been incredible.

“I didn’t think I’d reach that, but with great support and things going well, I’m hopeful we can keep ticking away and improving.”

Although he won’t be at the Glitter Strip on Saturday due to a call-up to ride in the city, Guthmann-Chester was quick to encourage everyone to come down and support the cause and his fellow riders donning the Men Matter silks.

“A race day like this brings everyone together for a great day out,” he said.

 “These silks will be worn in every race, and for every time they cross the winning post first, $1,000 will go towards men’s health charities.

“So, to all the jockeys riding on the day, they’ll be thrilled if we can secure a few wins in these colours.”

Cook echoed the hoop’s sentiments, expressing excitement about what the 2024 edition of the charity race day has in store.

“There’s plenty happening,” Cook said.

“We’ve got an eight-race card on this fantastic poly track, activations in the main event centre, live and silent auctions, raffles, magicians—basically, the Gold Coast Turf Club is the place to be.

“It’s a very important event that not only raises awareness among men but also from women.

“It’s a great opportunity to have a good time and support four fantastic charities.”

Click here for more information on Men Matter Raceday 2024.