The beloved country race day returns this Saturday, October 7, with a seven-race card, including the marquee $30,000 Moama Bowling Club Gunbower Gold Cup, listed as race six on the program.
After four years of COVID-19 and bad weather stopping any racing on the club’s biggest and only meeting of the year, a record number of patrons and nominations is poised to make this one of the biggest race days on record.
“Bookings are enormous, and they’re the biggest we’ve ever had so far. We’re probably expecting a crowd of 2500,” Gunbower Racing Club president Vicky McGillivray said.
“It will be just amazing. We all put in so much work, and we’re all volunteers, no-one on our committee gets paid. 2019 was our last race day. Two years of COVID-19 and last year with the rain ... we have all worked hard, and we can’t wait.”
After heavy rain put a stop to last year’s race, more rainfall throughout the week saw the track rated a Heavy 10 ahead of the big day.
Still, with a few days of sunshine and the Saturday forecast in Gunbower looking favourable – no rain and a high of 18℃ – Mrs McGillivray isn’t concerned.
“The grounds a little bit wet underneath, but we’re all good,” she said.
“We have some guys out now, and we have the stewards coming in tomorrow (Friday) to give it another rating.”
Moama Bowling Club sales and marketing manager George Santos said it was a privilege to assist where possible as Gunbower prepares to turn it on for visiting patrons.
“After a few false starts, it’s great to see it coming together for Vicki and her team,” Mr Santos said.
“Volunteers always work so hard to make these things happen, and we’re so proud to be a part of an event like this.”
Echuca trainer Tayne Foster shapes as the local hope in the Cup with Morning Has Broken, while jockey Rose Hammond will be looking to guide Classy Joe to victory for trainer Dan McCarthy.
Rhys Archard and Dennis Oliver will also have horses featuring throughout race day.
Buses will run from Echuca to Gunbower at the times below, and tickets can be purchased at https://gunbower.tickets.countryracing.com.au/ or the gate.
The track is located at 257 Dormoyle Rd, Gunbower.
Gates open at 11am, and racing begins at 1.19pm with the Jack Styring Memorial Maiden Plate, while the Gunbower Gold Cup will be run at around 4.16pm.
A preview of the Cup can be found on page 47 of today’s Riv.
Echuca-Gunbower bus pick-up points
The Border Inn at 10.30am
The Caledonian at 10.40am
The American at 10.50am
The Torrumbarry Hotel at 11.15am
Gunny Pub at noon