ONE of Victoria’s prominent jockeys will take to Alexandra Park on Saturday during the Kerang Turf Club’s 136th cluBarham Kerang Cup meet.
Darren Gauchi – who has won four Victorian jockey premierships and been runner-up in the Melbourne Cup on three occasions – will ride Brian McKnight’s six-year-old gelding, My Dancing Duel in the main race of the day.
Horses trained by two of the past three cup winners will also feature in the $20,000 race.
Danny Curran, who won last year with Tully Costa, returns with six-year-old mare, Caves, whilst five-year-old gelding, Storm Approach will be Gunbower Racing Club life member, Jim Lake’s best chance to claim the district’s major horse racing title since De Mars’ success in 2013.
Prominent Victoria trainer, Patrick Payne will have the top weight in the cup, with seven-year-old gelding, Angelology looking for his 14th career win.
“It is a good pat on the back for the club to get the likes of Darren Gauchi and Patrick Payne to the club,” Kerang Turf Club president, Scott Strachan said.
“During the past couple of meets the trainers and stewards have said Alexandra Park is one of the best tracks in Victoria, which is a good accolade for the club and the quality of the surface that the volunteers have put out.”
The cup, scheduled to start at 4.40pm, will be the highlight of the seven-race meet at Alexandra Park, which begins at 1.22pm with the Be Races Ready – TAC Maiden Plate.
More than 270 nominations were received for the Kerang Turf Club’s major annual meet, which were whittled down to 72 starters and eight emergencies yesterday.
Local trainers will be well represented, with Jarrod Robinson (four), Daryl McNeil (two) and Peter Williams (one) to have mounts race on their home track.
“It is pretty good to have a good representation and (past president and the day’s compere) Greg McNeil has said there are a number of quality horses nominated,” Strachan said.
There will be plenty of events on offer between each race, ranging from roving entertainment, children’s activities and an Easter egg hunt.
The Fashions on the Field competition – which includes the novelty section – will attract a large number of entries, whilst bragging rights will be on the line in the footballers and netballers sprint.
“The foot races should be a good bit of fun, as well as a way for local clubs to raise a few dollars,” Strachan said.
Eight local sides have submitted a football and netball side for the event, occurring after race four.
Young racing enthusiasts, Patrick Doyle – who made his race calling debut at the turf club’s last meet on Boxing Day – will call the two foot races, with the winning team taking home $750.
