South Coast trainers will have added summer incentive after a decision to shift the Nowra Cup to December, two weeks after the $1 million The Gong at Kembla Grange.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Previously held in May, the Shoalhaven Turf Club's biggest day will be held on Sunday, December 6, aligning a stunning new-look schedule, which also includes the Moruya Cup (January) and Bega Cup (February).
The inaugural running of The Gong proved a phenomenal success, attracting the leading Sydney stables, with the race won by the Chris Waller-trained Mister Sea Wolf. And Nowra officials will be hopeful of some top equine talent from the Kembla Grange meeting to push on for their Cup, also run over 1600m.
"Our club is over the moon with the news the Nowra Cup race meeting has been relocated and will now be run in December," Shoalhaven Turf Club chief executive Paul Weekes said.
"We're thrilled with the new date which will provide us with a totally new branding opportunity for the Cup.
"The weather in December is far more conducive to attracting a decent crowd, despite the challenges that we are currently experiencing.
"We're confident the new December slot will be much more appealing to both racing participants and patrons alike."
Racing NSW remains optimistic the Covid-19 crisis will have eased to allow fans back to the track for the major races.
The inclement weather this year forced the Nowra Cup to be relocated to Goulburn, with the Keith Dryden-trained Balansa causing a boilover to win at $31.
