The Mount Gambier Harness Racing Club will be hot to trot this Saturday for the annual Matthews Petroleum Mount Gambier Pacing Gold Cup. The prestigious racing event has been a mainstay fixture in the South East harness racing calendar for over 50 years with this year’s cup worth an eye-watering $18,000, up $5000 from last year.
There will be a strong field of nine competing for the trophy this weekend including Jensville, Eastbro Chrissy, Michawey, Always Steamed Up, The Tri Line, Ocean Avenue, Eastbro Kozzy, Silver Mystique and Snow Hunter.
Local driver Mark Phillips is looking promising after winning a heat of the cup qualifiers and will be back to defend his crown with Ocean Avenue trained by Steven Fennell.
Third generation driver reinsman Finnis will be another fan favourite aboard Jensville, trained by his father Barry Finnis and owned by grandfather Peter Medhurst.
Jayson will hope to repeat history this year as all three generations have driven winners in the Matthews Petroleum Mount Gambier Pacing Gold Cup in previous years.
The last time Jayson won the cup was in 2022 with Royal Speech, also trained by his family and there was one year where Barry enjoyed a one-two finish with Jayson on board the runner-up.
Mount Gambier Harness Racing Club president Neil Shepherd predicts a close race for the Matthew’s Petroleum Mount Gambier Pacing Gold Cup.
“This year there is no clear favourite,” he said.
The support categories for the day include the Canny Ever Trotters Cup, a heat of the SA Pacing Cup, the 3YO Blue Lake Classic and the Pony Gold Cup.
This year there are more ponies than ever before competing in the Pony Gold Cup with a field of 23 competitors including nine locals, 12 from Adelaide and two from Victoria.
“It is a big turnout for these kids and their ponies,” Mr Shepherd said.
“We usually do get some that come from Adelaide and some come from western Victoria but this is the most ponies we have ever had.”
There will be fun for all ages with facepainting for the kids, Dave Blackett performing and a variety of catering facilities including barbecue, food vans and a full bar.
Gates open at 4pm with racing expected to start within the hour.
The Mount Gambier Harness Club will hold their Gold Cup Eve Calcutta and 2024 presentations at the Mount Gambier Community RSL on Friday from 5.30pm.
“We present all the winners of the horse of the year from last year and we have the presentation after that,” Mr Shepherd said.
The special guest for the evening will be Paul Campbell from Bendigo who is known for his horse racing content on Facebook page ‘Campbell’s Comments’ which has gained over 20,000 followers.
“He will be doing special interviews on cup night as well,” Mr Shepherd said.
