It will be the biggest event in the 100 year history of Gosford Race Club, recognized one of Australia’s best regional racetracks.
In a huge boost for Central Coast’s rapidly growing sports profile and regional businesses, Racing NSW announced that Gosford would host the standalone Saturday meeting on May 9, 2020.
Racing NSW’s strategy is to give the metropolitan racetracks a break after both their Spring and Autumn carnivals and in doing so, take feature racing afield to the provincial areas in a bid to raise the profile of racing and attract new audiences.
The traditional and hugely popular Gosford Gold Cup will be relocated from its current January date to the Saturday slot.
It will feature a boost in prize money for the Cup, with a minimum of $200,000 on offer for that race and $1M across all races on the day.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the recent announcement of standalone Saturday racing at Provincial clubs. This will enhance the sport of racing and bring in new audiences,” CEO of Gosford Race Club Mr Daniel Lacey said.
“Not everyone will appreciate the significance of this race meeting, but believe me it is significant. Not only will the whole profile of the Central Coast be raised due to the increased media coverage but the knock on economic benefit will be substantial to local businesses.
“Hotels, pubs, clubs, restaurants and clothing retail will all see an increase in business over this period,” Mr Lacey said.
Gosford has been pushing for the standalone meeting for a number of years and this has given the club an opportunity to showcase a fantastic event on and off the track as well as building on the emerging racing scene on the Coast.
Club Chairman Mr Michael Cusick said the Saturday meeting was a major milestone for the region.
“Gosford Race Club has been in existence for more than 100 years and this announcement is the most significant in its history.
“We will have the top end of racing on the Coast and we all will have the opportunity to see these magnificent animals up close due to the layout of the redeveloped facilities at Gosford,” Mr Cusick said.
“Racing NSW do not just allow any course to host a standalone so we are very grateful and honored that Gosford has been chosen, it is a credit to all associated with the club.”
