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SEN and MRC announce new race honouring the Taggart family
SEN • August 9th, 2025 11:30 am
A new race honouring the racing legacy of father-son duo, Les and David Taggart, is at the centre of a new strategic partnership between the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) and Sports Entertainment Network (SEN).
The famous Group 1 Underwood Stakes will also be renamed the SEN Caulfield Underwood Stakes as part of the partnership.
The partnership includes the reimagined SEN Caulfield Underwood Stakes Day featuring the time-honoured Group 1 SEN Underwood Stakes taking place on Saturday 20 September at Caulfield Racecourse.
SEN, which takes over ownership of racing station RSN on September 1, announced the new partnership today, bringing together two big brands in sport and racing to elevate the profile of horse racing and promote all things of interest for punters, plus exclusive offers for SEN and RSN listeners. It includes integrated Caulfield coverage, content, sales and membership-led marketing across SEN, SENTrack, RSN, digital and social channels across all facets of the MRC business.
We will bring insights into what is happening at forthcoming race meetings with scoops and tips on contenders in major races, live trackside broadcasts from the SENTrack and RSN teams, dedicated SEN areas on race days, and on course activities giving punters more ways to get involved.
Saturday 20 September will feature not only the SEN Caulfield Underwood Stakes, but also a race known as The Taggart, a timely and fitting tribute to the Taggart family, coinciding with the sad passing of a true gentleman and everyone’s friend in Les Taggart, and to also acknowledge his son; the colourful and likeable SENTrack star and racing legend, David Taggart.
The Taggart honours their joint contribution to racing, media and the Caulfield track on the anniversary week of Les’ passing in 2022.
The rider of six Group One winners before severe injuries ended his career, David’s highlights include the VRC Oaks on Hollow Bullet, two Cantala Stakes wins on Seascay, and the memorable 1994 Toorak Handicap aboard Oppressor with a brilliant rails-hugging ride. David was apprenticed at Caulfield under renowned master Frank King, alongside the likes of Darren Gauci, Stan Aitken and Dale Short.
Les Taggart was a much-loved industry figure, managing and hosting the winning owners’ rooms at metropolitan tracks. A passionate racing man, Les was also part of the syndicate behind the 1979 Blue Diamond winner, Star Shower. He is deeply missed at Caulfield and by everyone in racing.
David has since launched to stardom on the airwaves of SENTrack and inspired a legion of new racing fans with his tips, banter and authenticity.
David Taggart said the tribute was deeply meaningful to his family.
“Dad worked at all the metro courses for over 40 years but Caulfield always had a special place in his heart. To have a race named in his honour, alongside my own, is incredibly humbling. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate his legacy and the connection we’ve both had to the track.”
The partnership will also see RSN return on-course, broadcasting from the mounting yard at every MRC race day and providing deeper coverage across all forms of racing content.
The popular SENTrack Deck also returns to the track on SEN Caulfield Underwood Stakes Day, with the Caulfield front lawn to deliver the ultimate Spring Racing vibe designed for the new generation of punters – where tradition meets high-energy entertainment.
MRC Chairman, John Kanga, said the partnership is an exciting step in connecting with today’s racing fans while still celebrating the sport’s rich history.
“We’re really excited to team up with SEN to create something that shows off the best of racing and gives fans new ways to get involved whether they’re at the track, online, or tuning in on air.
“The Taggart family has a special connection to the MRC and will always hold a place in our hearts and it’s especially meaningful to see the race day feature a newly named race called ‘The Taggart’.
"From race day fun like the SENTrack Deck to great content across RSN and SEN, this partnership is all about taking the racing experience to the next level and setting the tone for what’s ahead.”
SEN CEO, Craig Hutchison, said the partnership brought together two businesses passionate about growing racing and on-course entertainment through compelling storytelling.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Melbourne Racing Club, an organisation that shares our vision to engage and grow fans of racing,” Hutchison said.
“The MRC is one of Australia’s most progressive ever thinking racing businesses and we can’t wait to work together across all areas of our respective businesses to grow the sport.
“We are excited to partner with the SEN Caulfield Underwood Stakes, and especially excited to launch ‘The Taggart’.
“It is such a fitting tribute to a family that’s dedicated its life to racing and given such joy to racing fans on track and on the airwaves. It promises to be an unforgettable day on SENTrack and RSN."
