Gold fever will hit the Blue Lake city tomorrow for the Mount Gambier Racing Club’s Scott Group of Companies Gold Cup at the Glenburnie racecourse.
There will be plenty to win for the field of 19 contenders vying for the $70,000 top prize with almost $250,000 in prize money to be won over the day.
The event will feature entertainment, local food and wine, fashion and top quality racing with the Gold Cup Launch Party kicking off proceedings last night at The Henty.
Mount Gambier Racing Club interim manager Naomi Mitchell said the club received 130 nominations for the day.
“We are delighted with the response from trainers and owners, attracting good quality horses across the eight race card,” she said.
Ms Mitchell said track conditions were ‘superb’, thanks to the dedication and hard work of track manager David Shepherdson and his exceptional team.
“Their efforts have ensured the track and its surroundings are in picture-perfect condition, setting the stage for an extraordinary racing experience,” she said.
“With the weather forecast looking favourable, we extend a warm invitation to racing enthusiasts to join us for what is sure to be a memorable day at the races.
“A large crowd is anticipated, and we are fully prepared to cater to the needs of our guests.
“We are excited to welcome racegoers to our public garden area, where we will have available food and beverages available for purchase.”
Ms Mitchell said racegoers were encouraged to book to avoid missing out on race day packages.
“Bookings for our range of packages are filling up fast, reflecting the enthusiasm and anticipation surrounding this event,” she said.
“However, there are still excellent opportunities available in the SEN and Koonara marquees for those seeking an elevated experience.
“We encourage racegoers to secure their bookings swiftly to avoid missing out on what promises to be a thrilling day of racing.”
Local horse owner and trainer Trevor White is looking to win his third consecutive Gold Cup this year with seven-year-old Clever Man to be ridden by Jessica Eaton.
“One of our owners Trevor Little is a life member and he has had horses since he was a young man but never won a Mount Gambier Cup until he was 80 and now he has won two of them so we are hoping to get him a third,” he said.
“It would be lovely to complete it again but it is going to be harder this year, there is pretty good opposition I would think.
“There are some nice younger horses coming along but we will give them a fright at some stage, we will just have to wait and see.
“The horse is going as well as ever so we can only hope.
“We are quite happy with him and he has had a pretty good preparation.
“He has been unlucky in a few races but he is certainly prime ready for tomorrow. It is all quite exciting really.”
Tickets are available for purchase at www.mountgambierracing.com.au, Moshtix or the Mount Gambier Racing Club.
