Racing, Sport, and Style Unite for The Gong
Group 1-winning jockey Tommy Berry, Illawarra Hawks starDaniel Grida, and successful local businesswoman Mikayla Chilby will come together as ambassadors for The Illawarra Turf Club’s premier race day.
The Gong has the honour of bringing The Racing NSW Spring Carnival to a close and is run as a standalone metropolitan race meeting. All eyes turn to Kembla Grange Racecourse for the 10-race program which is headlined by the Group 3, $1million The Gong. It has become a hugely popular social event with 7,000 people on track for it in 2025.
Few jockeys know Kembla Grange Racecourse better thanThe Gong’s industry ambassador Tommy Berry who has been riding at the track for almost two decades.
“It’s a pleasure to be asked to be an ambassador by the club,” Berry said. “I cut my teeth here as a kid and have a lot of great memories from this track.”
More recently, he piloted Gringotts to victory in the 2024 running of The Gong, marking another memorable moment in his association with Kembla Grange.
“Gringotts has been a marvel, and for the club to get him here two years in a row says a lot about the race itself,” Berry said. “I already know of a few horses heading to The Gong this year and I’m sure we’ll see another strong line-up.”
Illawarra Hawks fan favourite Daniel Grida has been chosen as The Gong’s community ambassador. Originally from Perth, Grida joined the Hawks ahead of the 2018/19 NBL season and has since made the Illawarra home. The 2024/25 NBL champion has played more than 150 games for the club and is admired for his resilience, wholehearted style of play, and flowing blonde mullet which makes him one of the most recognisable players on the team.
Grida made his first official contribution to The Gong in 2024 as a Fashions on the Field judge, an experience he described as “something completely new” that gave him the opportunity to learn more about racing.
“I love how the whole city comes together and has such a great time,” Grida said. “I’ve only been to The Gong once, but I had so much fun. I came into it completely blind and that didn’t matter at all because they races are for everyone.”
As The Gong’s lifestyle ambassador, local beauty entrepreneur Mikayla Chilby brings a unique perspective to the role.
Mikayla began her career as a makeup artist before expanding into beauty therapy, skin health and wellness. She is now the owner of two neighbouring businesses in Corrimal: STUDIOMIKAYLA, a boutique clinic specialising in corrective skin treatments, brows and beauty, and SPAMIKAYLA, which offers day-spa and wellness experiences.
“Being chosen as an ambassador was definitely a pinch-me moment,” Mikayla said. “I’ve built both of my businesses here in the Illawarra, so the opportunity to represent such an iconic Wollongong event is incredibly special. I also love that race day brings together so many of the things I’m passionate about—fashion, hair and makeup, and spending time with friends.”
Tickets and hospitality packages for The Gong are available now via Moshtix, with final release general admission from $35. Some areas including the official luncheon in the A.J. “Bert” Lillye Lounge and Ken Brown Dining Room have already sold out.
For media enquiries please contact CEO Steven Keene on (02) 4261 7211 or mailto:Steven@illawarraturf.com.au
Comments