It was a peach of a day on Saturday as the sun shone down on the annual Coast Race Day at Gosford. With just over 4,000 guests through the gates, sold out packages and lots of happy punters, the event was once again, a big success.
“We were thrilled that the weather turned it on in the days leading up to the event, just enough to dry the track (which was upgraded to a soft 7 on the day) and surrounding trackside areas which were all pre-booked by guests. It was also very pleasing to see the large crowds coming through the gates after an extremely difficult couple of years with COVID restricting attendance and capacity to our bigger events.” – Daniel Lacey, Gosford Race Club CEO
The race day was full of entertainment on and off the track with a massive 10-race program featuring some of Gosford’s best racing action in the MostynCopper Gosford Gold Cup won by Numerian, trained by Annabel Neasham and ridden by Sam Clipperton, the DeBortoli Wines Takeover Target won by Blondeau, trained by Chris Waller and ridden by Chad Schofield and The Coast won by Rustic Steel, trained by Kris Lees and ridden by Jay Ford. Not to mention the inaugural running of the Thunder Thousand won by Siege, trained by James Cummings and ridden by Rachel King.
Off the track, racegoers were treated to live music by Balinese duo Kuta Groove in the Hooves Beach Club and following the last race, the Powderfinger Tribute band. Fashionistas came from near and far to compete for the more than $10,000 prize pool in The Coast Fashions on the Field competition, this year sporting a digital spin on the traditional format of how it is usually run.
“We decided to adopt the more digital format for this years Fashions on the Field competition to align with our local members and race day attendees. We have found in previous years that a lot of people are turned off the idea of competing because of the pressure of getting up on stage and parading in front of judges and a crowd. By removing this pressure, we hoped to attract those who wouldn’t necessarily register to compete as well as the passionate contestants that travel from afar. The level of glamour and professionalism on display was incredible and with a few tweaks, I believe this format will be very popular moving forward” – Kristina Ayton, Gosford Race Club Commercial Manager
FOTF Winners:
Best Dressed Lady: Debbie Winter
Best dressed Gentleman: Craig Smythe
Best Dressed Contemporary: Sharon Edmonds
“This was a great event for the Central Coast. As a lifelong resident of the region we have lost our identity in recent years. This raceday puts The Coast firmly back on the map and attracts visitors from across NSW and beyond to sample what we offer. I have no doubt that over the years this raceday will form the lynchpin of a myriad of supporting events as it continues to grow.” Michael Cusick Chairman Gosford Race Club.
For those interested in attending or getting involved next year, join our mailing list and stay up to date on all news and events – www.theentertainmentgrounds.com.au