As we anticipate the upcoming Melbourne Cup and what the final field might look like for “the race that stops a nation” on the first Tuesday of November, we reflect on another successful Caulfield Cup & Everest Race Day at Gold Coast Turf Club. We also take a look at what is to come for the racing industry and the upgrades to the training and race tracks at the GCTC, explains Attwood Marshall Lawyers Legal Practice Director, Jeff Garrett.
10 years celebrating Caulfield Cup Race Day at Gold Coast Turf Club
The Gold Coast Turf Club delivered another successful event on Saturday 15 October, which marked Attwood Marshall Lawyers 10th anniversary sponsoring the day.
The horses were in fine form, the champagne was flowing, and there was a buzz among punters who could finally enjoy the race day in all its glory with fewer restrictions than what had been experienced over the past two years during the pandemic.
Staff and guests of Attwood Marshall Lawyers spent the day overlooking the Bundall track from The Boardroom at The Gold Coast Turf Club, watching the exciting 8 local races, as well as the interstate events from Caulfield and Royal Randwick live on screen. The local winners received Attwood Marshall Lawyers rugs, much to the delight of the owners and trainers. We are very proud to sponsor local racing and support the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.
Despite Melbourne being hammered by torrential rain in the lead up to the 2022 Caulfield Cup, the weather conditions were pristine on race day, although racing on a heavy track.
The Caulfield Cup winner, Durstan, who was an emergency runner, only gaining his place in the race after others were scratched, took a historic win etching his name in record books as the first emergency runner to win the Cup. The Chris Waller trained French import stormed home late to win the race under the expert guidance of jockey Michael Dee.
Across the border at Sydney’s ‘Everest’ race, punters were on the edge of their seats, with 3 year old Giga Kick, one of the last horses picked to run in the race, producing an explosive finish to upset the hot favourite Nature Strip, who tired late to run a creditable 4th. Jockey Craig Williams timed his run to perfection to hit the line at the right moment and snatch victory from Private Eye and Mazu.
Many of the Caulfield Cup runners are nominated to run in the Melbourne Cup and, as at today, the field has been whittled down to 34 runners. It will be clearer after this weekend’s racing who will be in the final 24 runnners of the Melbourne Cup. Caulfield Cup runners, Durstan, Gold Trip, Duais, Montefilia, Alegron, Smokin Romans, Vow and Declare are all in the top 24 at present. Will this be the year a Caulfield Cup winner completes the Cups double? It will be a fascinating race, as usual, and the only event that draws most Australians to have a bet on the Cup, even those who don’t usually follow the racing. Most businesses have a Melbourne Cup lunch to watch the race and have office ‘sweeps’. Many people take the afternoon off to go to their local track and Melbourne Cup Day is one of the biggest race days on the GCTC calendar.
Although it’s early, I’m going out on a limb to tip Vow & Declare, who won the Cup in 2019. He would be only the 2nd horse to win the Cup twice, but not in consecutive years since Peter Pan did this in 1932 and 1934. He would join Archer (1861/62), Rain Lover (1968/69), Think Big (1974/75), and the mighty mare Makybe Diva, who won 3 Cups in succession (2003-2005), as horses who have won 2 or more Cups.
What’s next for the Gold Coast Turf Club
The Gold Coast Turf Club is currently undergoing a multi-million-dollar upgrade with the ‘Track, Tunnel & Lights Project’ set to be completed in the near future.
Phase one is underway with construction of the temporary training track on the outside of the course already completed. This has been received very well by trainers and jockeys and is paying the industry for the investment.
Heavy duty construction has begun with the first stage of the tunnel construction and light fittings being commenced. The draining of the 1700m synthetic polytrack is also underway.
To date, 26 light footings have been installed, and the tunnel also has its structure and concrete requirements complete, with concrete now curing.
Next, the polytrack will be constructed on top of the tunnel. Underneath the concrete tunnel will be a network of structural pillars and columns.
There has also been significant progress with the base and drainage for the polytrack, which is expected to be finished by mid-December 2022, depending on weather.
There is also a new turf test plot of 100sq/m of turf located at a turf farm in Caboolture. This turf has been genetically tested and verified and constructed to the exact course profile matching the Gold Coast Turf Club to provide information on how quickly the grass will consolidate and mix into the profile, giving a good understanding of how the track will be maintained into the future.
The track upgrade is a massive collaborative process, which sees Racing QLD, Gold Coast Turf Club, and construction partners working hard together to deliver the project on time.
All these developments are intended to facilitate state-of-the-art broadcast lighting for night racing, an all-weather synthetic track, refurbishment of racing surfaces and an in-field tunnel to enhance equine welfare. These advancements will continue to put Queensland in the spotlight as a premiere racing destination.
Want to share in the excitement as a racehorse owner?
Spring racing season is one of the most exciting times of year for racehorse owners throwing their hat in the ring hoping for a win. Many punters attend racing events with ambitions to purchase their own racehorse one day and immerse themselves in the lucrative and exciting industry of thoroughbred breeding and racing.
Owning a racehorse can be an exciting investment and there are various ways that you can opt to own your very own horse, including:
- Purchasing a horse as a sole owner, allowing you to reap all the glory (but also take on all the cost!)
- Joining a syndicate
- Leasing a racehorse through a breeder, whether it be as a partnership or part of a syndicate.
Racehorses are significant investments and if you are exploring your options, it is important to get the right advice from an experienced equine lawyer who can help you structure your business efficiently, ensuring all your legal obligations are met, and your best interests are protected in any agreements you are entering into.
Click here to learn more about buying a share in a racing syndicate.
At Attwood Marshall Lawyers, we have many staff who are immersed in the equine and racing industry, and they can share their experience breeding and owning racehorses to help their clients make educated and informed decisions.
If you would like advice prior to entering a syndicate, or if you already own a racehorse and are having trouble with your current arrangement or are embroiled in a dispute, contact our friendly team by phoning Equine Law Department Manager Amanda Heather on direct line 07 5506 8245, email aheather@attwoodmarshall.com.au or free call 1800 621 071.
