‘The biggest ever’: Gunbower Cup’s triumphant return to racing

By Oliver Shedden

Oct 8, 2024

Cadazio, ridden by Nathan Punch and trained by local Gwenda Johnstone, wins the pinnacle event of the day, The Moama Bowling Club Gunbower Cup. Photos: Aidan Briggs. Photo by Aidan Briggs

The Gunbower Cup returned to the track on Saturday, October 5, for the first time since 2019, and the cherished race day’s homecoming became its biggest event ever.

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Last year’s scheduled meeting was cancelled the morning of the event due to rain throughout the week, but this time around all the preparation paid off, with the track rated a good four, ideal for racing.

Over 2500 people attended the race day, which, according to Gunbower Racing Club president Vicky McGillivray, was the biggest crowd the event had ever had.

Moama Bowling Club Gunbower Cup-winning horse Cadazio with trainers and owners. Photo by Aidan Briggs

There were eight races throughout the day, including the inaugural running of the Jack Styring Memorial Plate, a race named in honour of the legendary race caller, who made a major contribution to country racing over many decades, including calling 60 consecutive Gunbower Cups.

Lou Lou’s Choice, ridden by Nathan Punch and trained by Jamie Edwards, took out the Jack Styring Memorial Plate.

The big ticket event was the final race of the day, the Moama Bowling Club Gunbower Cup. It was won by Cadazio, also ridden by Nathan Punch and trained by local Gwenda Johnstone.

Punters celebrate a win in the cup. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Johnstone highlighted her joy that her horse triumphed in the cup and that the event was able to take place after years of cancellations.

“It was so exciting when the horse won, there are a few first-time owners, so that was exciting for them too,” she said.

“We were surprised we got a run because of the number of entries, but thankful that it went according to plan and got the win.

Entrants in the fashions on the field Classic Ladies’ Racewear 50-years-plus category. Photo by Aidan Briggs

“It was so good to be back racing in Gunbower because we haven’t been out there in a few years, so to have the meeting back on was special.

“The Gunbower Racing Club always look after you because they only have the one meeting a year, so it’s great to connect with them and go out and enjoy the day.”

The meeting was action-packed off the track, with many entrants in fashions on the field categories such as Classic Ladies’ Racewear, Stylish Ladies’ Racewear, Open Men’s Racewear, Teen Racewear and Filly and Colt Racewear, which tallied a staggering $12,000 in prizes up for grabs.

Members of the Beaumaris Sharks football club enjoy the atmosphere. Photo by Aidan Briggs

There was live music courtesy of Darcy Ramage, along with plenty of fun activities for the kids, including face painting and a jumping castle.

McGillivray said she was thrilled with how the event ran, particularly after the long wait between meetings, and was happy the track was able to hold up despite rain threatening.

“We felt very relieved to finally be able to race and have horses back. It’s been devastating the last few years not being able to race, so finally having everyone back on track is wonderful,” she said.

Local Darcy Ramage provided tunes for the meeting. Photo by Aidan Briggs

“It was a bit windy and a bit cool, but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirit, and the huge crowd really got around the day, so that’s all that matters.

“All the jockeys and trainers were happy with the track, which was good because many hours had gone into it. We had a bit of rain on the Friday but that made it even better.”