"It will be much bigger than the Melbourne Cup"
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Illawarra Turf Club chief executive Peter DeVries has declared the new $1 million The Gong race will be the biggest in Kembla Grange history when it runs for the first time in November.
Officials are in the preliminary stages of discussions about expanding spectator capacity trackside, given the remarkable level of interest already being taken by punters and potential sponsors.
As it is nationwide, Melbourne Cup day has long been the biggest day at Kembla Grange, ahead of the Group 3 Keith Nolan Classic in March.
The Gong, to be run over 1600m, has been added to the ended up a supercharged Sydney spring carnival, hoping to attract runners out of the newly-established $7.5 million Golden Eagle and possibly Melbourne runners looking for a late preparation prizemoney grab.
"Even just from the interest we've already had, this will be the biggest crowd we've ever had," DeVries said.
"We're already taking details for corporate functions and sponsors who are keen to be involved on the day.
"At the moment, we're still working on what the facilities on race day and capacity will be, there's a number of options for us to discuss in terms of marquees and seating.
"But it will be much bigger than the Melbourne Cup, on Cup day we're competing with restaurants and pubs, whereas this will be our own big day that everyone can get behind on track."
READ MORE: The Gong riches in Archedemus' wheelhouse
The Gong will run on November 23 as part of a stand-alone Saturday meeting, and the end of a carnival which launched with The Everest on October 19.
The Bondi Stakes, a three-year-old race over 1600m, will jump at Randwick on Cox Plate Day in Melbourne, then the four-year-old Golden Eagle (1500m) worth $7.5 million on November 2 and the new $1 million Golden Gift at Rosehill, to run over 1100m.
The Gwenda Markwell-trained Archedemus is likely lead the home-town charge, having finished eighth in the Doomben Cup in May, after winning the Listed lead-up race and Group 3 Hawkesbury Cup.
Kembla Grange will host an eight-race card on Thursday, starting at 12.15pm.
While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3.00 a week. Terms and conditions apply.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
