In 2019 it was announced that Gosford would host its first Standalone meeting in May 2020, however as a result of the pandemic it was ultimately conducted at Randwick. With restrictions now eased Gosford is finally on course to host the meeting on the 8th of May this year.

The programme has been substantially upgraded from the 2020 fixture. The most significant addition is the debut of a new race called ‘The Coast’, an unrestricted quality handicap over 1600m for 3 and 4-year-old horses. ‘The Coast’ will offer a $500,000 purse, the highest prizemoney ever for a single race at Gosford. With a BOBS silver bonus of $38,500 available to qualified horses, the winning connections could potentially pocket over $325k.

The Gosford Gold Cup will receive another boost in prizemoney, with the listed race over 2100m now being worth $250,000. The feature racing continues with the $150,000 listed Takeover Target Stakes over 1200m. Total prizemoney for the day will exceed $1.6 million.

This meeting will allow the Gosford Race Club to showcase a fantastic event on and off the track as well as building on the emerging racing scene on the Central Coast. Along with the proposed upgrades to the racing and training precinct, this annual raceday will cement Gosford Racecourse as a centre of excellence in the NSW industry.

“We are absolutely thrilled to host a standalone Saturday. It is great to see Metropolitian quality racing at provincial clubs. It allows new audiences to become involved in a great sport and adds a significant event to the region. Not only will the increased media coverage raise the profile of the Central Coast but also the knock-on economic benefit will be substantial to local businesses including hotels, pubs, clubs, restaurants and clothing retail” Lacey continued.

Club Chair and prominent local businessman Michael Cusick added “Gosford Race Club has been in existence for over 100 years and this raceday is the most significant in its history. We will have the top echelon of racing on the Coast for the first time and everyone will have the opportunity to see these magnificent animals up close due to the layout of the redeveloped facilities at Gosford. I extend my thanks to Racing NSW CEO Peter V’Landys for this opportunity. Under his stewardship racing in NSW is going from strength to strength and being recognised at an international level. Gosford and the Central Coast will make the most of this chance to give people yet another reason to visit our fantastic region”.

All enquiries to Daniel Lacey CEO daniell@theeg.com.au