Punters will be looking forward to plenty of racing at Gunbower. Photo: Racing Photos
No-one is more excited for Saturday, October 5, than Gunbower Racing Club president Vicky McGillivray.
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In just three more sleeps gates will open, and the much-loved country race day, that has had more than its fair share of bad luck over recent years, will finally get a chance to shine, free of COVID-19, bad weather and a flooded track.
The committee has been working hard to put together a stellar day and the track is in amazing condition, having been inspected and given the green tick by Racing Victoria.
“The track has had a major renovation and two tonnes of fertiliser and couldn’t look any better. Rhys Archard has even ran a horse around the track to test it out and given it the thumbs up,” McGillivray said.
The pinnacle of the seven-race program is of course the $30,000 Moama Bowling Club Gold Cup, but a highlight on the race card is the Jack Styring Memorial race in honour of the man who called 60 consecutive Gunbower Cups.
“Bet365 are sponsoring the race, Jack obviously loved the cup and the Gunbower race day,” McGillivray said.
Jack passed away in 2018 and his brother Colin spread some of his ashes on the track.
The Gunbower Racing Club committee seven-year-old horse Qubella, trained by Archard, will also hit the track.
But if horses aren’t your jam, don’t despair, because there is plenty more on offer, including $12,000 in prizes for the fashions on the field. Categories include Classic Ladies’ Racewear, Stylish Ladies’ Racewear, Open Men’s Racewaer, Teen Racewear and Filly and Colt Racewear.
A great day of racing is on the cards at Gunbower this weekend.
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Live music will be supplied by Darcy Ramage music and there will be free kids’ entertainment, including face painting and a jumping castle.
Buses will be running from the Border Inn, Caledonian Hotel and the American; tickets must be purchased online at gunbower.tickets.countryracing.com.au
A bus will also loop through Kerang, Barham, Koondrook, Cohuna and Leitchville.
Gates open at 11am and the first race will start about 1.15pm with the last horse crossing the line at 5.15pm.
Marquee bookings are closed but the Gunbower and District Development Group will be serving lunch from the green shed along with other on-course catering available.
TAB will be in attendance, along with on-course bookies.
“The track is looking magical and we have poured our hearts into this year’s event and we are really looking forward to getting everyone out and about for a fun-filled day with lots of socialising.
“We are just a group of volunteers — nobody gets paid and the last few years have been pretty rough so we are hoping for some great community support and a chance to show everyone what a great day we can put on,” McGillivray said.
General admission is adults $20, kids under-16 free.
To keep up-to-date and for more information check out gunnyraces on Instagram.
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