Punters, jockeys and fashionistas are ‘giddying up’ for the annual Mount Gambier Gold Cup as the event swings around again.
Mount Gambier Racing Club interim manager Naomi Mitchell said there would be a number of events in the lead up to the big day.
“We will have the launch party at The Henty, that’s a cocktail function and our president will welcome people,” she said.
“It’s a get together to try and invigorate a bit of interest in the week.”
There would also be a Calcutta and Ms Mitchell said there was still a few tickets left.
“Someone might be lucky enough to draw a horse in the cup and you could even buy it or sell it,” she said.
“It’s an exciting week leading up.”
Ms Mitchell said racing nominations would close on Monday and the field was expected to be announced on Wednesday ahead of the March 22 event.
A week before the race, Ms Mitchell said the track “could not be any better”.
“David Shepherdson and his crew have done an outstanding job,” she said.
“It’s absolutely picture perfect, there will be no issues with the track whatsoever.”
While there could be planning for everything except the weather, Ms Mitchell said the outlook was positive at this stage.
“It always has an impact, but looking forward the forecast isn’t looking too bad,” she said.
“It’s going to be a coolish day, but I think that’s probably prefect for everyone.”
Though Ms Mitchell was mainly interested in the horses, she said she was also looking forward to seeing all the frocks and fascinators people would wear for the Fashions on the Field competition, with registrations opening on the day at 12pm.
“Fashions on the Field is probably one of the big ticket items for a lot of people,” she said .
“Categories are best male, best couple and best lady.
“Judging and announcements for those fashions will be after race three for the males and the couples and after race four for the ladies.”
With ticket sales going well Ms Mitchell was excited there was still the opportunity to snap up a race day package.
“At the moment we have limited availability upstairs in our members area and I do believe there is still good availability in some tents,” she said.
“There is also the beer garden available for general admission.
“If people are looking for a base for a day we do still have options available in our punter’s shed.”
The Scott Group of Companies Mount Gambier Gold Cup will be run on Friday, March 22 at the Glenburnie Racecourse.
Gates will open at 11am, with the first race expected to begin at 12.50pm.
For more information visit countryracingsa.com.au/racing-club/mount-gambier
