Excitement is building ahead of Gunnedah Jockey Club’s annual Showcase meeting, which will be held on Sunday, May 28.
The eight-race program will be headlined by the $40,000 Gunnedah Gold Cup (1600m) and the $34,000 Lightning Sprint (1000m).
Adding extra interest to the meeting is the fact that the Gunnedah Gold Cup is also a qualifier for the $3 million Big Dance, and the club hopes it brings an extra element to their special day.
“The Committee of the Gunnedah Jockey Club is very excited to have the Gunnedah Gold Cup included as a Big Dance Qualifier, and we feel privileged to have the winner of our 1600m Cup eligible for the $3 million final to be run on the first Tuesday in November,” said Gunnedah Jockey Club Manager, Lyn Tongue.
“We are very grateful to Racing NSW for including our humble little club in this wonderful concept.
“Plus, we are certainly hopeful that leading trainers and jockeys will support the meeting and bring some good horses to Gunnedah for not only the Gunnedah Gold Cup but also the other races on the day, given that it is a Showcase meeting, and the prize money is very lucrative.”
Following flooding late last year, Gunnedah Jockey Club did face some clean-up work, but the committee has worked hard to have the course proper and grounds in good condition, even racing earlier this month with tremendous success.
“We are situated on the banks of the beautiful Namoi River, and unfortunately, the main track, training tracks and facilities were extensively damaged by floods in 2021 and 2022,” Tongue said.
“It has been a huge effort by the staff and committee to restore the tracks and grounds back to their glorious best.”
As far as their big day goes, Tongue is excited to host an event catering to all walks of life.
“Our patrons will be well looked after on Cup day; we have a courtesy bus running to and from the track, the bars will be well stocked with icy cold beers, wine and champagne, and there will be an artisan coffee van offering freshly made cakes and slices to enjoy with your coffee,” Tongue said.
“We have a VIP sponsors marquee fully catered with a hot buffet lunch and reserved seating, and if anyone would like to purchase tickets, this package includes lunch, entry, race book and complimentary drinks.
“The wonderful Sam Snape will be providing entertainment for our patrons to enjoy between races, and the ladies and gents can don their very best to be in the running to win some wonderful prizes in Fashions On The Field.”
It’s shaping to be a great day of racing, fashions, and entertainment at Gunnedah Jockey Club, and for more on the day, readers can click here.
For any enquiries, please get in touch with Lyn Tongue on 0427 420 093.
