NEW ERA DAWNS FOR GAWLER RACING
It’s the dawn of a new era for Gawler’s three racing clubs as they come together to present the Gawler Carnival of Cups (GCOC). Kicking off on 15 October 2021, the 10-day Carnival will not only feature the annual Cups for the greyhounds, harness and thoroughbreds, but will include several other events to engage the local community, including a Gala Dinner and an Awards Program.
GCOC is a joint initiative of Gawler Greyhound Racing Club, Gawler Harness Racing Club and Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club. The Carnival will bring the community together to celebrate the local racing industry, with plans to expand over the next few years to become Gawler’s premier event. Already in the pipeline, are tours to equine facilities and wineries in the Barossa, while a polo exhibition match, gymkhana and barrel races are also being explored.
GCOC Director Aaron Bain said the Carnival would be a fantastic boost for the three racing clubs, as well as businesses in the Gawler and surrounding districts. “We are very excited about the potential of the Carnival to attract people from all over South Australia and from interstate,” Aaron says. “We have already received fantastic support, including from our naming rights partner, TAB, which has signed up for three years, and major partner, the Ahrens Group, which is well known for its strong support of the local community.”
Many more sponsors have come on board to help deliver the inaugural GCOC, which will run from 15-24 October. The action-packed track program includes the Gawler Harness Racing Cup on Sunday 17 October, the Gawler Cup (thoroughbreds) and an after-race concert on Friday 22 October and the Gawler Greyhound Cup on Sunday 24 October which will close the Carnival.
Town of Gawler Mayor Karen Redman says the three Gawler racing clubs are to be commended for bringing the Carnival of Cups to Gawler. “I urge local businesses and residents to get behind this fantastic initiative and create a real community event that we can all be proud of,” Karen says.
There are multiple opportunities for individuals and business to get involved and support GCOC. In addition to a range of sponsorship options, a limited number of GCOC memberships are available for $100. Members will have access to an exclusive GCOC marquee at each of the three Cup days, including drink vouchers and nibbles, as well as special offers and discounts.
Tickets to the Gala Dinner and other events will be available on the GCOC website and there will be free entry to the Gawler Greyhound Cup (heats and final) and the Gawler Harness Racing Cup. Breakfast with the Stars at the Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club and a Calcutta night at the Kingsford Hotel are both expected to attract a large crowd of racing enthusiasts.
Aaron says one of GCOC’s goals is to acknowledge key contributors and promote career, employment and volunteering opportunities within the Gawler racing industry. “We have established an Awards Program which will be a key focus for the Carnival,” Aaron says. “As well as a Lifetime Achievement Award, we will be presenting a young person aged between 15 and 25 with a $5,000 rewards & experience package to help them pursue a career in racing or an associated endeavour. The three Gawler racing clubs are extremely proud to be involved in this initiative.”
The two awards, which will be presented at the Gala Dinner, will be funded by sponsors and donations to the GCOC Awards Program through the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF). Donations are tax deductible and can be made at https://asf.org.au/projects/gawler-carnival-of-cups-ltd/
To ensure the smooth running of GCOC, Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club, Gawler Harness Racing Club and Gawler Greyhound Racing Club have formed a not-for-profit organisation known as Gawler Carnival of Cups Limited. Representatives from each of the three clubs form the management committee.
Everything you need to know about GCOC is available on the website at gawlercarnivalofcups.com.au including the program of events, sponsorship proposal, award nomination forms and membership sign up. For further information email info@gawlercarnivalofcups.com.au
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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