THE highly anticipated relaunch of the Mount Gambier Racing Club is almost here with the Gold Cup Cocktail Party less than two weeks away.
Held in the newly renovated member’s lounge on April 13, the celebration will fall on the day after racing returns to the revamped facility.
Club general manager Brett Watson said the relaunch was “a pretty special time”.
“I think we’re all pretty excited to get back into racing and the cocktail party will be a perfect way to get back into the swing of things,” he said.
“The party is usually held a little closer to Gold Cup day, but with Easter, Anzac Day and Generations in Jazz, we thought it would work better a little earlier on.
“We could not have chosen a more perfect day as it landed the day after our first race meet, it worked out pretty well.”
The event will see multi-award winning Australian blues act John McNamara bring his King of Soul Sam Cooke show to the region.
“I have been wanting to a show paying tribute to Sam Cooke for years now. I have been obsessed with his voice for so long and finally here we are,” Mr McNamara said.
“People often focus on Sam’s voice, but he was an amazing songwriter and wrote all of his biggest hits.
“Tunes like Cupid, You Send Me, Bring it on Home, A Change is Gonna Come – he was a hit maker and a great business man.”
The club will also raise funds for the Life Changer Foundation, a charity that focuses on mentoring the region’s youth.
Two auctions will be held on the night with plenty of other entertainment including a best dressed competition.
The event starts at 6.30pm with tickets available online or through Chapman’s Newsagency.
