The club is steeped in history and is still considered one of the crown jewels of Victorian Country racing, with the first race meeting for the club being held on January 22, 1881.
With gates opening at 11am, come and enjoy the up-close racing action you’ll only get in the country. Whether you’re looking for a country casual race day or a catered experience, there is something to suit everybody.
General admission starts at $20 per person and with the event coming up, the majority of umbrella packages and marquees have been sold, with attendance expected to hit close to 3000 people.
However, if you want to go the extra mile, there is still room at the Big Green Shed Luncheon, which is a two-course meal served between noon and 2pm, with access to a bar and screens to catch all the action; walk-ins are excepted on the day.
With eight races set for the day, led by the marquee event, the Gunbower Gold Cup worth $30,000, it’ll be high-octane viewing on the track for any spectator — with the first race jumping at 1.19pm.
There will also be a ‘fashions on the field’ competition with a total prize pool of $13,500, with registrations open from 11am until noon and judging to begin after race two.
The club has issued a warning concerning internet connectivity issues and advises attendees to bring cash on the day as a back-up.
GRC president Vicky McGillivray shared the committee’s excitement for what is shaping up to be a bumper day on and off the track.
“We're feeling very confident and just so excited, the weather's going to be 26°C on Sunday, which is one of the warmer days we've had recently and perfect for racing and socialising,” she said.
“We've had a bit of bad luck with weather and COVID, but now we're back. This will be our second year running back fully and bookings are phenomenal, so it's going to be a huge day.
“It looks amazing out here, everything's green, and the track's just getting a final sprinkle currently as I'm just looking out on to it now.
“Marquees are being set up as we speak, and everything looks wonderful.
“The staff have put in an enormous number of hours to get the grounds looking immaculate, and they turned out great.”
Following the Gunbower Gold Cup, the club will also have plenty to look forward to elsewhere this racing season, as the club will have a barrier in the race that stops the nation: the Melbourne Cup.
While the club doesn’t know what horse will be pulling out of its barrier on the day just yet, if it wins, the club will receive $50,000 which it will donate to two organisations — Echuca Regional Health’s Cancer and Wellness Centre and the Gunbower Lions Club.
“It’s amazing to give back, the Cancer and Wellness Centre means so much to quite a few on our committee, but also in our whole community really,” McGillivray said.
“We're so lucky to have that facility so close by and the Gunbower Lions Club, they do amazing things for our little community out here, always pitching in to help.
“So, we're so happy to be able to give back to those two charities if we can.”
11°C