The Goondiwindi Race Club is set to stage its first meeting after a lengthy layoff with the Vern Kleinschmidt Trust Gold Cup Race Day scheduled for next month.
As one of many non-TAB clubs impacted by COVID-19, patrons will be welcomed back to Gunsynd Park on Saturday, September 12 and will be pleasantly surprised by the progress being made at the venue.
Late last year, Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe attended Gunsynd Park and announced funding via the Country Racing Program for the refurbishment of the club’s tie-up stalls, along with 10 new stalls.
The new plastic running rail has also been installed for the safety of participants, with a new inside rail and the inclusion of a 1200 metre outside rail as well.
Additionally, the Goondiwindi Picnic Race Club was successful in obtaining a Community Gambling Benefit Fund Grant, which has seen the upgrade and installation of a new cold room for patrons’ comfort.
With racing operating across the state under a COVIDSafe Industry Plan, the September 12 meeting will see seating provided for 500 patrons on the day.
Social distancing will be required, along with four square metres per person on-course.
Pleasingly, the Goondiwindi Race Club has been able to secure sponsorship to fund a $500 cash bonus for the most successful trainer and jockey on the day.
The winners will be decided on a 3 -2 -1 basis and should the end result be that more than one jockey or trainers finish on the same points, the bonus will be split evenly.
President of the Eastern Downs Racing Zone, Graham Rewald, will present the zone awards to the Horse of the Year, Trainer of the Year and Jockey of the Year prior to the Goondiwindi Cup.
Former Gold Coast jockey, Robert Kendall, will also be on-course as a part of fundraising activities for the National Jockeys Trust.