MOUNT Gambier’s inaugural 2019 Scott Group of Companies Twilight Gold Cup has been hailed a success, with organisers committed to building on the summer format.
Mount Gambier Racing Club general manager Brett Watson said numbers were “on par” with the 2019 Mount Gambier Gold Cup Carnival held in May, with around 2000 people trackside as Patch Adams, ridden by jockey Will Price, stormed home to win the $50,000 race.
“I think having two events in one year caused a bit of confusion as to when the cup was actually on,” Mr Watson said.
“With the track upgrade announcement as well, I think people may have held off a little bit.
“Moving forward, we are hoping to stick to the one date and build on it to make it bigger and better.”
Mr Watson said attention would turn to “brainstorming and a bit of reviewing to see if we need to improve on anything”.
“It would be great to see 4000 to 5000 people through the gates and just make it bigger and better.”
Mr Watson said the twilight theme was a first for the Gold Cup and seemed to work well.
“We can probably build on a few things, but the twilight theme allowed people who work, to work half the day and still come and enjoy themselves,” he said.
“I think the key is to round up some bigger groups and some Christmas shows so they can enjoy the day.”
Mr Watson said the Fashions on the Field was another great success with a stand out number of entrants.
Millicent resident Brianna Scanlon was awarded best dressed in the female category wearing a striped purple garment, followed by Leslie McDonald who placed runner-up wearing a yellow and green outfit she designed from op shop clothes.
Rose Slape took home best millinery with a hat she made.
Many stylish males were seen on stage with Scott Lonergan placing first in a grey checked suit and Bastola Amrit placing second wearing a classic, neutral-coloured blazer and pants.
Power couple Lauren Herbert and Jarrod Ryan colour coordinated, both accessorising in apricot to win the best dressed couple title for 2019.
The newly-introduced local legend category was a difficult choice for judges with many entrants this year styled in clothing purchased from the South East region.
The title was awarded to Lauren Harvey who wore a dress and head piece purchased from Mangos Fashion.
Mr Watson said he thanked club staff and volunteers for helping organise the successful event for 2019.
“Next year’s event we hope to expand on fashions as it is always a large draw card and we will get the word out early,” he said.
“We hope to work on marquee packages and the beer garden worked well for part of the day so we will look and see how we can improve that.
“The marquee holders said they all enjoyed themselves and we may look into whether we put on a solo artist or live entertainment.”
A date is yet to be set for the 2020 Gold Cup.
