Trainer Liam Howley, Station One, Charlotte Marr and Danica Munro enjoying the $30,000 Gold Cup win.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“It was just perfect.”
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These were the words Gunbower Racing Club president Vicky McGillivray used to sum up a record-breaking Gunbower Gold Cup on Saturday, October 4.
With well over 3000 descending upon the volunteer-run club from across Victoria and Australia, McGillivray and the GRC committee was over the moon with how their marquee event unfolded.
“The weather was wonderful, 26°C or 27°C, hot, absolutely incredible,” McGillivray said.
“The crowd was just enormous, well over 3000, it was bigger than last year and many happy punters, everyone was having a ball.
“It’s the biggest turnout in our history, and I’m just so proud as I told you before, our community is all 100 per cent volunteer and for them to put in such a massive effort, not just yesterday, but in the months leading up to it, they've done an incredible job.”
While there were plenty of festivities around the grounds, including marquee lunches and kids’ activities, as well as the popular fashions on the field event, there was plenty of high-octane action on track.
Chloe Schuliga, Dennis Carter, Shantay Virtue, Candice Mitchell, Holly Patten and Pam Agar were enjoying the festivities at the Gunbower Gold Cup on Saturday, October 4. Photo: Jordan Townrow.
A full eight-race meet gave spectators all the viewing they could want, headlined by the $30,000 Gunbower Gold Cup, which was won by jockey Danica Munroe on board the seven-year-old gelding Station One, trained by Liam Howley.
The event was a popular day for different social groups, including end-of-season football and netball trips and visitors from overseas.
“We love getting all different people out there, yesterday we had a group again on our Facebook page from Pakenham footy club,” McGillivray said.
“They just arrived to Echuca on Thursday, and they didn’t even know about the races and were urged to go.
“We had people from Queensland come, and we had people from all over Australia come, we actually had a Scotsman here yesterday in a kilt, I think he got stitched up by his mates, but he still looked amazing.
“I just love that we have that reputation that anyone is welcome here, and doesn't matter where you come from or what you do, you are going to have an absolute ball at the Gunbower Racing Club.”
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