RACING fever has started to sweep across the city ahead of tomorrow’s Scott Group of Companies Gold Cup Carnival.
Touted as one of the region’s premier social and sporting events, thousands of people are expected to flock to the Allan Scott Glenburnie Racecourse for the stellar provincial racing fixture.
While 25mm of rain has already fallen on the newly reconstructed $3.2m redeveloped track in recent days, officials have revealed the circuit is draining freely and will withstand any additional rain today.
Tomorrow’s Gold Cup is the first to be held on the track since December 2017 following the overhaul of the racing circuit.
The redevelopment is expected to usher a new era for the Mount Gambier Racing Club.
The track is now considered to be an all-weather racing circuit, which is already paying dividends with bumper nominations lodged for tomorrow’s races.
In fact, a number of races have seen some horses be placed on emergency standby given the large fields.
“The response from trainers has been positive,” club general manager Brett Watson told The Border Watch yesterday.
With preparations in full swing and marquees being erected this week, Mr Watson foreshadowed tomorrow’s Gold Cup would have a vibrant atmosphere and premier racing.
“We are just putting the final touches on everything for tomorrow – everything is looking good,” Mr Watson said.
“The track is draining well – any more rain should not bother it.”
He said the newly constructed track had been fitted with an extensive new drainage system to ensure it was an all-weather track for the regional racing sector.
Mr Watson said he was particularly buoyed by the response from trainers with strong fields across the day.
“For some races, we have too many nominations.”
While the weather was forecast to be chilly, he said the upstairs members area had been upgraded along with the downstairs area for the general public.
“This will enhance the comfort of our patrons,” Mr Watson said.
Moreover, he also looks forward to seeing a kaleidoscope of colour in terms of the autumn fashions and the highly anticipated Fashions at the Races event.
He said the tightly contested fashion competition would be among the highlights for tomorrow’s golden racing event.
Tomorrow’s event will be the final time the Gold Cup is held in May, which will end a long tradition.
Moving forward, the Gold Cup will be raced in December.
