DISCOUNT FOR EARLY BIRD HAWKESBURY SHOPPERS

EARLY bird shoppers will be able to secure a 20 per cent discount on general admission tickets for Hawkesbury’s “coming of age” Saturday metropolitan stand-alone fixture.

The 21^st renewal of this popular event – first run in 2006 – carries special significance, and is scheduled for Saturday, May 2.

Tickets are now on sale for the day, with early bird prices starting from $20.

“We have packages to suit all budgets, including all-inclusive food and beverage packages,” Hawkesbury Race Club chief executive James Heddo said today.

“Alternatively, the Front Lawn Precinct offers reserved trackside seating in a prime position to enjoy the day’s festivities at just $55 per person (which includes gate entry).

“Hawkesbury Cup day is always a special and memorable event to share with family and friends, and we greatly appreciate the support from our sponsors, whose encouragement and assistance combine to make this day such a great success each year.

“Our big day’s ongoing success can be attributed to tremendous support from RacingNSW and the entire racing industry, with a massive 10-race program offering over $1.8m in prizemoney, highlighted by the $250,000 Group 3 Richmond Club Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m).

“There will be plenty of off-track entertainment, including a keenly contested Fashions On The Field competition, with some great prizes to be won.

“We are also thrilled to announce that rock legends “Dragon” will perform after the last race in what is sure to cap off a sensational afternoon of racing and entertainment.”

Gates on May 2 will open at 10.30am.

For more information or to book hospitality and ticketing, visit www.hawkesburyraceclub.com.au.

. The Hawkesbury Gold Cup, which carries Big Dance eligibility for the third year running, was won last year on a heavy track by renowned mudlark Punch Lane, trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman.

It is one of Australia’s oldest handicap races, being first run in 1871 initially as a two-mile (3200m) contest, but has been staged at the current distance since 1999.

The Gold Cup is supported by two other Group 3s, the $250,000 Elite Sand and Soil Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m) for three-year-olds, and $250,000 Pioneer Services Hawkesbury Crown (1300m) for fillies and mares.

The Guineas boasts a great history as well, also being first run in 1871, whilst the Crown is a much newer addition to the Hawkesbury calendar, being introduced in 2006 to coincide with the club’s first Saturday stand-alone.

STORY JOHN CURTIS, MARCH 11, 2026