CHEERS from the rail for locally-trained horse Emil may drown out the sound of the thundering hooves when the barriers open for the Scott Group of Companies Mount Gambier Gold Cup today.
Thousands are expected to flock trackside to enjoy the festivities at the first twilight Gold Cup meeting since the $3m overhaul of the Allan Scott Glenburnie Racecourse.
However there might not be anyone who enjoys it as much as Barry Stafford and Ken Butler if Emil – which they both own a part share of- crosses the finish line first.
The pair are optimistic about the horse’s chances, despite boasting odds in the high teens on most bookmakers.
“You have to be in it to win it and we never expected to have it running in the cup so it is pretty exciting,” Mr Stafford said.
“It’s had six wins, so it’s a half decent horse and has been pretty good fun for all the owners.”
Mr Stafford said he was trying to “keep a lid” on his excitement, but admitted he would love to win the local cup.
“My brother many years ago won twice with the Wilson Racing crew and I saw what it meant to that group,” he said.
“Just to be able to have it run around in the local area has been a bonus and the whole day today will be fun.”
For Mr Butler, today will be his first glimpse of the horse live at the track after traveling from Adelaide for the meeting.
“I have not seen him run, so that makes it even extra exciting for me,” he said.
“I brought my lucky jacket – every time I have worn it to the races, the horse has won, so I think it could be jacket time today.”
Training the horse is Mount Gambier’s very own Michael O’Leary who will be aiming for his 7th cup, 30 years on from when he first experienced the ultimate glory at his local track.
“I still think winning my first Mount Gambier Gold Cup gave me the biggest buzz, but I’m definitely still hungry to win more,” he said.
“My father won one as a trainer when he was 82 years old so I have aspirations to top that.”
Mr O’Leary said Emil is primed for tomorrow’s race and believed everything was falling into place for it to produce a good showing.
“I decided a few months ago I was going to set it to win this cup and in my opinion I cannot get him any better than how he will be when he goes to the races tomorrow,” he said.
“He’s bred to stay and they have rated the track tomorrow around a soft 6 and that’s ideal – the wetter the better.”
While the horse has never stretched out to 2400m, Mr Stafford backed Mr O’Leary’s experience.
“Just because he is training it, I think it has got to be a chance because I know it will be cherry ripe to run,” Mr Stafford said.
“People tend to go to the races and see the O’Leary name and want to back the horse associated – he has an incredible strike-rate.”
Regardless of the result, Mr Stafford said he was excited to see what the Mount Gambier Racing Club would have in-store for today’s meeting.
“I think this meeting can grow in volume, there is no reason it cannot go to another level,” he said.
“I’m sure the Mount Gambier Racing Club is looking at how they can improve it each year and they learn some things today.”
General manager Brett Watson said everything was ready to go for a good day of racing and festivities.
“We are hoping to get around 4000 people and I encourage the community to come along, because we are confident it will be a great day,” Mr Watson said.
“Many describe it as the best day on the city’s social calendar and you do not want to miss this history-making event.”
In addition to the big race, fashions on the field is also expected to draw a crowd when it starts at around 4pm.
