Countdown is on to Pacing Gold Cup

The 2024 Matthews Petroleum Pacing Gold Cup is looming as one of the tightest contests in the 51st instalment of the Mount Gambier Harness Racing Club’s premier event.

Club president Simon Phillips said there was no clear favourite following the recent heats and setting of the nine horse field plus emergency.

It also looms as a State-based battle with the field even split – five Victorian horses and four SA horses plus the emergency.

And while the Gold Cup is the headline act, the March 16 program has quality races everywhere you look.

There is the SA Pacing Cup heat which attracts the first class horses in the State, as well as the Trotters Cup.

There is also a new race on the program – the Blue Lake Classic – which is targeting three year olds.

And aside from the on track action, including the Pony Trots Gold Cup, the Mount Gambier Harness Racing Club prides itself on making its meetings a great night out for the entire family.

There is the Punters Club, bar and canteen facilities, food vans, live music, face painting. Gates open at 4pm with the first race at 6pm.

Last year, when the club celebrated the 50th running of the Gold Cup, it resurrected the Calcutta with around 80 people attending the event at the Mount Gambier RSL and hopes are high the March 15 event will again be well patronised.

“We really built up the night last year and it was a big success,” Phillips said. “We have added in the season presentations to the night and that has made it really special and we also have a couple of guest speakers coming to the event this year as well.”

Meals are available from 5.30pm on Calcutta Night with 2023 Season Presentations and the Calcutta kicking off at 7.30pm