REVVED UP FOR GC CUP
MORE than 6000 racegoers are set to pour through the Gold Coast Turf Club gates for today’s Heineken Gold Coast Cup. Ambassador Liz Cantor and jockey Luke Dittman will be among those getting in on the race day action.
TELEVISION personality Liz Cantor remembers saving her cash to go to the races in her days as a struggling university student.
Today the Gold Coast Cup ambassador will host the city’s second biggest race-day event as MC – and she’s thrilled.
“When I was a student at Griffith and we would save up for a day at the races,” Ms Cantor said. “Now I’m there in a work capacity I never lose sight of how fortunate I am to be enjoying the day in such luxe surroundings. It really is a treat.”
About 6000 people are expected at the Gold Coast Turf Club at Bundall for the Gold Coast Cup today, viewing the action of the 2400m race trackside and from the club’s lavish dining venues.
Turf club CEO Steve Lines said attractions included a record-breaking prize pool.
“This year’s Heineken Gold Coast Cup will see a $1.4 million prize pool – the largest in history – the return of the 2400m Gold Coast Cup race after over a decade, and the now $500,000 TAB AD Hollindale Stakes Cup,” he said.
“This year racing is truly at its premium where all the best in Australia are here to compete, including some of the country’s best jockeys.”
Off the track, the Fashions on the Field will host a new category for firsttime entrants – the “best dressed newbie”.
Ms Cantor said social media was encouraging punters to be bold with their fashion choices and she was expecting to see plenty of original outfits.
“We are privy to seeing what racegoers are wearing at Flemington, Randwick and Rosehill and I think that has provided inspiration to Gold Coasters to take more risks with their fashions and lift the bar in the style stakes,” she said.
“Gold Coasters will give racing fashion a run for its money on Instagram.”
Gates open today at 10am.