The Scott Group of Companies Gold Cup was a hit on Friday for nearly 1500 racegoers at the Glenburnie Racecourse.


Local trainer Geoff Withers’ five-year-old gelding Crafty Boss ridden by Alana Kelly won the race in the 13-strong field to claim the $70,000 grand prize.


Mount Gambier Racing Club general manager Matthew Plummer said while the attendance was up on last year, it is something that can be built upon in years to come.


“Attendance was good, I think we were up a couple of hundred from previous years so about 1400,” he said.


“I think the days of 5000 people are over but if we just keep adding a few each year it will be good.”


Fashions on the Field “went really well” and was organised by Redgum Country owner Wendy Richardson, compered by Keith Hamilton and judged by local fashionistas Katina Sims, Camille Maxwell and Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM.


There were prizes awarded for Best Dressed Womenswear, Best Dressed Menswear and Duo’s categories.


The Atrium catered by Ray White was a success with the after party, which included a DJ and trumpeter, hosted in the marquee after the last race until around 7pm when buses departed for the Globe Hotel.


“They will hopefully be repeating that next year,” Mr Plummer said.


The members and guests luncheon at the O’Connor and Graney Function Centre was well attended by around 180 racegoers, which was up about 40 people from last year.


The TAB, bookmakers and the inaugural free Hard Rated Enclosure were all kept busy throughout the day’s festivities.


“All the feedback on that (the Hard Rated Enclosure) was really, really positive,” Mr Plummer said.


The excitement of the gold cup kicked off with a free cocktail party at the Jens Hotel function room on Thursday followed by the Bernie Flood Property Conveyancing Calcutta at the Globe Hotel.


“They went okay. We would have liked more people so it just maybe did not quite catch the attention with that,” Mr Plummer said.