The Wagga Gold Cup Carnival has earned its name as the pinnacle of racing in the Riverina region.
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Wagga’s premier social event is set to attract almost 10,000 people to the Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) on May 5 for the Cup.
The XXXX Gold Town Plate meeting is on Thursday May 4 ahead of the Kristopher Graydon Jewellers Wagga Gold Cup on Friday May 5.
The Wagga Gold Cup boasts more than racing prowess - it is a festival of exciting events to whet the racing, fashion and social appetite.
The Gold Cup is recognised as one of Southern NSW biggest racing events stumping up record prize money of $838,000 over the three day carnival (the prelude day on April 23 and the Carnival on May 4 and 5).
The increase in prize money is signifi cant with $577,500 offered up last year.
This year’s Town Plate (1200m) will be worth $110,000, while the Guineas (1600m) has jumped to $80,000.
The listed Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) remains at $150,000.
“The MTC is committed to continue building the strength of the Cup carnival, with prizemoney for the two major days jumping by $90,000 to a total of $668,000,” MTC chief executive Scott Sanbrook said.
“The most significant increases have been the main two support events – the XXXX Gold Town Plate and the Audi Centre Wagga MTC Guineas.
“In 2012 the Town Plate was worth $65,000 but this year will carry $110,000.
“And the Guineas has doubled in two years… it’s gone from $40,000 in 2015 to $80,000 this year.”
What on for the Gold Cup carnival
April 24 to May 4: Local milliners display their head pieces at the Marketplace.
May 2 and 3: Purchase tickets at the Marketplace.
May 2 at 9.30am: The barrier draw for the Kristopher Graydon Jewellers Wagga Gold Cup (2000m).
Popular racecaller Allan Hull will host the event, with the draw conducted by Southern District Racing Association chief steward John Davidson and his deputy Jason Shultz.
The winner of the Murrumbidgee Turf Club’s window dressing competition will also be announced.
May 4: XXXX Gold Town Plate meeting. The Town Plate luncheon boasts a variety of special guests, including Liam Prior from the allconquering Chris Waller stable.
May 5: Kristopher Graydon Jewellers Wagga Gold Cup.
Kristopher Graydon Jewellers Fashions on the Field worth more than $15,000 in prizes. Judging starts at 2pm on Cup Day.
Tickets: Tickets for the Gold Cup can be purchased at the gate on the day or from the Marketplace at the Gold Cup stall on May 2 and 3 at a discounted price.
See the complete official Gold Cup guide here. Copies of the guide are available at the Daily Advertiser office at 48 Trail Street and will be available at both the Town Plate and Gold Cup.