The 2015 Gold Coast Cup has met with sweeping changes.
For the first time, the race has been elevated to Gr.1 status and now carries prizemoney of $100,000, up $25,000 on previous years.
Plus, a new sponsor has come on board.
Recent North American import Hurrikane Kingcole, standing his first season at stud at Egmont Park on the Darling Downs has come on board for the open class event.
Purchased by leviathan couple, Kevin and Kay Seymour, Hurrikane Kingcole is a wickedly fast son of super sire Cams Card Shark and joins the dual hemisphere champion Mr Feelgood this breeding season.
“It’s a perfect opportunity to spread the word about our latest recruit and we’re very excited about his credentials. When the offer was made by the Gold Coast Harness Racing Club, we jumped at the opportunity and we’re proud to support such an iconic Queensland harness event.” Kevin Seymour said.
The race is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, and will be staged at Albion Park.
Recent winners include the likes of Blacks A Fake, Be Good Johnny, Smooth Satin, Double Identity, Smoken Up, Washakie and last year’s winner Avonnova.
The Gold Coast Cup is the traditional lead-up to the Grand Circuit opener, the Gr.1 $200,000 Queensland Pacing Championship and a star-studded cast is expected.
Reigning Queensland Horse of the Year Avonnova spearheads the local contingent while southern raiders include recent Blacks A Fake champion Philadelphia Man and Sydney stars Bling It On and Modern Ruler among others.
The Seymour couple also has a great chance of winning the Hurrikane Kingcole Gold Coast Cup with their rising star Majestic Major.
The New Zealand bred gelding continues to improve and rates amongst the leading chances in the upcoming features.
“He’s a progressive type and if he draws to advantage, they’ll know he’s in the race because he’s a really good front running type of horse. It would give us great pride to win the Gold Coast Cup with Hurrikane Kingcole as sponsor because we’re expecting a great deal from him at stud.
“He’s a handsome type of individual and the reports from his trainer and drivers in North America were just fantastic, they all raved about his blistering speed. At the recent open day at Egmont Park, he gained a lot of interest and the bookings are certainly starting to roll in now.
“He won five times at 2 in 1;51 while he paced in 1;47.8 on two occasions while he met and beat the best available. The Cam Fella sire line continues to work wonders in this part of the world and this horse can continue with that trend.”
Hurrikane Kingcole is standing at an introductory fee of $3000 but a 25% discount is being offered, effective immediately.
Hoofnote; A Somebeachsomewhere half-brother to Hurrikane Kingcole sold for $230,000 at this week’s Lexington Selected Yearling Sale in Kentucky.
The colt was the top priced lot for pacing colt’s on the opening day.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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