SOME of the largest crowd numbers seen in recent years will gather at Gunbower next weekend for one of the district’s major sporting events.
Preparations are continuing for the 2017 Procal Dairies Gunbower Gold Cup, with bookings already eclipsing figures not seen since the Gunbower Racing Club decided to move the event from early January to the first Saturday in October.
“Bookings are at an all-time high and we’ve still got a week to go before the big day,” club president, Mick Farrant said.
“There are already 200 people coming from Echuca by bus, and that doesn’t cover those who will drive up on the day.
“We’ve also had a number of football and netball trips book in, as well as some buck’s parties.”
The 2017 edition will be the first time since 2014 the races will not clash with either the AFL Grand Final or the Deni Ute Muster.
The October 7 event will also be the first time since 2015 the meet has occurred, with the 2016 edition abandoned four days prior to the scheduled race date due to wet weather.
“Everyone keeps saying the conditions will be fine, but thanks to the past few years, I am still a bit nervous,” Farrant said.
Nominations will open next week, with the club confident of attracting large entry numbers.
“Having the meet at the start of the Spring Racing Carnival means we get really good nominations and acceptances,” Farrant said.
There will be plenty of attractions off-track to keep those in attendance entertained, from musical performances, children’s activities and Fashions on the Field.
“There are plenty of areas away from the horses where the kids can run around and play,” Farrant said.
Details on booking tickets prior to the event are available at https://country.racing.com/gunbower
