KEMBLA GRANGE CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL RUNNING OF THE GONG

A record crowd has turned out for The Gong Raceday where Gringotts again stole the show.

6,935 people were trackside for Kembla Grange Racecourse’s annual standalone meeting, undeterred by the incessant rain.

“The Illawarra Region has really embraced The Gong since its inception in 2019 and the support for the event has been phenomenal,” The Illawarra Turf Club CEO Steven Keene said. “All the hospitality was booked out months ago. To have almost 7,000 people on course and set a new crowd record for The Gong Raceday in testing conditions is a credit to the club.”

$2.5 million in prizemoney was on offer across the 10-race program which was headlined by the Group 3 Illawarra Mercury The Gong.

The Illawarra Hawks Championship-winning Coach Justin Tatum had the honour of striking The Gong as the horses headed to the barriers, signalling the imminent start of the race.

A field of 15 lined up in the million-dollar mile but there was one horse everyone wanted to see - Gringotts. The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding won The Gong in 2024 and was the clear favourite to salute again having gone back-to-back in the Big Dance earlier this month. Estadio Mestalla loomed late, but Gringotts was too good, with Nash Rawiller piloting him up the rail to a half-length victory.

The day’s feature sprint, the Group 3 MCR The Warra, was won by Catch The Glory. Under the guidance of jockey Jason Collett, the mare shook off The Black Cloud to triumph for Jason Coyle.

Off the track there were loads of food trucks and bars to enjoy, as well as The Little Gong Precinct. Fashions On The Field was a highlight with The Gong Ambassadors, i98FM’s Christian and Bella hosting the catwalk for the Best Dressed Lady and Gentleman. Ladies could pop into the Naked Tan Glam Stand for hair and makeup touch ups, and the popular TAB Cap Cart ensured a green sea of sun-safe racegoers.

Pleasingly there was little trouble with racegoers praised for their good behaviour.

“The atmosphere in every corner of the racetrack was fantastic,” Mr Keene said. “Everyone was there for a good time and that’s what they had.”

The Gong Spring Carnival concludes this Saturday with Christmas Party Raceday. The summer racing program kicks off with twilight races on Thursday, 11th December.

For media enquiries please CEO Steven Keene on (02) 4261 7211 or steven@illawarraturf.com.au