MELBOURNE people may not realise it, but the spring racing carnival actually starts at Gunbower – on October 1.
Just ask Mick Farrant, he should know – the Gunbower Racing Club president says none of the big-ticket events at Flemington, Caulfield and The Valley can start until after the Gunbower Gold Cup has been run.
And if you want to see the first big run of the spring, all signs indicate you will need to get in and get a ticket now.
“We are getting bombed with pre-sales; at this stage we are well ahead of sales for any other cup meeting – and they’re still going strong,” Farrant said.
“The Gunny Gold Cup began in 1881 and it has an incredibly proud history – and played its part in racing history too
“For example, in 1952, long-time secretary JJ Brereton introduced an unknown 22-year-old race caller Jack Styring to the club to be the caller for that year.
“Jack would become an industry legend for decades but he never forgot one of his first big breaks and he stuck with us until 2012 – his 60th consecutive cup call would make its way into the Guinness Book of Records for the most consecutive race calls.
“Jack would also receive an OAM for his contribution to the Australian racing industry.”
Farrant said another change this year would be the upgraded gold cup going to the winner.
He said the race offered $30,000 in prizemoney – plus not including, the gold cup.
“We have really upgraded the cup itself this year, it is a much bigger, more spectacular trophy, and it comes with a smaller version for both the winning trainer and jockey,” Farrant added.
“It’s just another stage in this event, which has fast become an iconic date on the country racing calendar.
“If we get a good weather day, I expect walk-up numbers will soar so the track will really be hopping and bopping.”
As well as catering for the adults, the Gunbower Racing Club will be turning it on for the kids, with all kinds of entertainment to keep them occupied.
Farrant said the Gold Cup has not been run since 2019, so he is expecting interest to be much stronger than usual.
He said bookings already in from Echuca are off the charts, and the club will be running free shuttle buses to and from the course.
Buses will be picking up from multiple points in Echuca, and will also be running from Kerang, Cohuna and Barham.
“Last time the cup was run, we had 48 buses in the carpark – with just the Echuca numbers we are looking at, we might need a bigger carpark,” Farrant said.
“Fortunately, we have received some great assistance from Country Racing Victoria and CRV to help with the cost of the buses.
“It’s also a popular event with end-of-season footy and netball trips as well as bucks and hens, so we are looking forward to seeing a lot of people having a great time here for the first time in three years.”
At the moment, the cup meeting has seven races, but Mick said he was confident there woul be enough nominations to split one race and have an eight-race card on the day.
Another highlight for 2022 will be the dine-in pavilion and its art show, featuring local artists Kevin Williams, Rebecca Ewells and Abbey Smith.
“We have staged various quirky exhibitions over the years in this pavilion, including some vintage fire engines, but as well as this year being an art exhibition, the pieces on shows will be for sale – you can have a fun day at the races and then turn your winnings into an artistic memory,” Farrant said.
Bookings are available at country.racing.com/gunbower/calendar/2022-10-01/switched-on-electronics-gunbower-cup
