One of the Sunshine Coast’s main race days is set to attract a bumper crowd and a competitive field of runners during the Australia Day long weekend.
The Coastline BMW Sunshine Coast Cup Day will be held at Corbould Park on Saturday, when more than 2200 spectators will watch a 10-race card, including the $160,000 Sunshine Coast Cup.
Sunshine Coast Turf Club marketing and events manager Taryn Delaney said the meeting was one of the most important on the local sport and social calendars.
“It is a key event, combining quality racing with a great social atmosphere over the Australia Day long weekend,” she said.
“It’s a day when racing fans, families and social groups come together to enjoy exciting racing, entertainment and hospitality.
“With activations such as free pickleball courts, a family fun zone, and a pop-up party featuring local DJ and saxophonist Andy V, there’s something for everyone.”
The Sunshine Coast Cup has a long-standing history as a Listed 1400m race and has become one of the region’s most-anticipated summer events.
“With significant prize money on offer, it remains a highlight of the racing season,” Ms Delaney said.
The feature race boasts a strong field of experienced horses and emerging talent.
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Some of the main contenders include Sinawann, Grand Impac, and Devastate.
The Matthew Hoystead-trained Party for Two, with jockey Nikita Beriman aboard, was a $3.80 favourite with bookmaker Sportsbet on Friday.
But the four-year-old mare has never raced over 1400m in her 17 starts.
The first race is at 12.13pm and the feature race will be held at 4.27pm.
The Sunshine Coast Turf Club hosts three Saturday metropolitan meetings each year including: the historic Caloundra Cup race day, which concludes the Queensland Winter Carnival; the TAB Mooloolaba Cup Day, which kicks off the summer racing season; and the Coastline BMW Sunshine Coast Cup, which serves as the summer season finale.
Key runners for the Sunshine Coast Cup
- Sinawann (IRL): An 8-year-old gelding trained by Tony & Maddysen Sears, coming off a strong recent win over 1100m.
- Grand Impact (NZL): A 5-year-old gelding from the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr stable, fresh from a 1350m victory in Sydney.
- Inver Park (GBR): A 7-year-old gelding trained by Kris Lees, having secured wins in his last two starts at the Sunshine Coast.
- Devastate (NZL): A 5-year-old import from the Tony Gollan stable, returning to racing after two recent trial wins in Brisbane.
- Elettrica (NZL): A 6-year-old mare trained by Richard & Will Freedman, known for her strong finishing ability.
