SAM RETURNS TO HIS ROOTS FOR LOCAL CUP MEETING
FLAMBOYANT purveyor of lamb, Sam Kekovich, will be a special guest at the Gunbower Gold Cup on Saturday, which was a place where he went to school as a youngster.
“Last time I went to the Gunbower Cup I remember driving across the new track and recalling the times when I used to ride the bike around those parts on the way to school,” Kekovich said, having schooled at Gunbower from 1956 to 1960.
A keen racegoer, the North Melbourne premiership player was looking forward to sharing tall tales and riveting dialogue over the drip tray at the races.“The Gunbower Cup, along with country cups and country racing in general, extols all the virtues that Australia is renowned for,” Kekovich said.
“A large amount of our culture stems from the activities on the racetrack and our wonderful Australian traits are there on display at country racetracks. They are a place where the Australian culture is pronounced and to the forefront.”
Kekovich added the Australian ways of a fair go, helping a mate, larrikin attitude and more were all prevalent when one attended a country race meeting.
“Country racing is fantastic. I’m sure for many the racing will take precedent, but there is so much more to this Gunbower meeting for the community and families.”
Along with Sam and sensational horse racing, Gunbower will be hosting a Fashions on the Field competition with categories Lady of the Day and Best Dressed Duo.
For those keen to show off their spring fashion style, the McCormick Benalla Gold Cup will be the event to attend on Sunday.
Country Racing Fashion Ambassador Sally-Anne Marshall will be one of the judges of the NoirShop Fashions on the Field.
Categories include the Brendan Watkins Jewellers Best Dressed Lady, Miss NoirShop (18-25 Years), Mantra Best Dressed Couple, One Zach Benalla Young Racegoer (17 Years & Under) and Wendetour Beading Studio Best Dressed Junior (12 Years & Under).
As well as the fashion, kids’ will also enjoy the fun of the jumping castle and face painting along with entertainment by Loopy the Clown.
On course there will be the glamourous McCormick girls’ thanks to major sponsor McCormick Tractors, with the Argo Group (McCormick Tractors) Overseas Export Manager and International Business Development Director Alessandro Gimona travelling from the UK to present the Cup to the winner of the McCormick Benalla Gold Cup.
“Last year we had a record crowd for the McCormick Benalla Cup and pre-sales indicate we’re on track to surpass that mark again on Sunday,” Benalla Racing Club Manager Tracey Beaton said.
“There will be something on-course for people of all ages and the buzz throughout the town in the lead-up has been excellent.”
For more information about country race days this Spring visit www.countryracing.com.au.
