Gunbower Racing Club set to strike more gold
The Moama Bowling Club Gunbower Gold Cup is one of the premier picnic meetings on the Victorian racing calendar and it’s on its way to striking even more gold.
In what has been a huge 12 months for the club, it has now been nominated for the prestigious ISLA Vodka Country Racing Victoria community club event of the year.
Which recognises the most outstanding feature race day of the 2025/26 season for clubs which host six or fewer race meetings – with the winner to receive a $10,000 prize from CRV.
Gunbower Racing Club president Vicky McGillivray says the nomination comes at the end of one of the biggest year’s in the cup’s – and the club’s – proud 145-year history.
Vicky says the club had a near record crowd for the running of the 2025 cup, which was a huge highlight for the volunteer driven committee and its small army of local helpers.
She says it is the biggest event the community stages each year – but in the 2025-26 season, Gunbower’s cup connection hit the big time.
Because it got to host the Lexus Melbourne Cup tour, which sees the famous cup travel the country in the lead-up to that first Tuesday in November.
“And every one of the towns which hosted the cup was given a horse in the race – and if yours comes up you get $50,000,” Vicky explains.
“Gunbower drew the Chris Waller trained River of Stars in the $10 million Lexus Melbourne Cup but the seven-year-old mare failed to deliver,” she says.
“But it was a great ride for us all – from the excitement of the initial announcement to the day the cup was here and we had so many people turn out for the occasion.
“Now for our club to be considered for an award like this – well that’s pretty special and if we could win it, that would just be the icing on our cake.”
Vicky says the club was “absolutely thrilled to be named as finalists”
She says it is “an incredible honour” for the club’s volunteer committee.
“We are sincerely grateful to our community, our sponsors, and everyone who supports and attends our race day,” Vicky adds.
“Your encouragement and involvement make this event possible and this nomination is a wonderful recognition of the dedication, passion, and countless hours contributed by our committee, who work tirelessly each year to create a race day that is welcoming, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone,” Vicky says.
“Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey – we’re proud to share this recognition with you all.”
The other finalists for the award are:
- bet365 William Thomson Dunkeld Cup
- Nutrien Ag Solutions Manangatang Cup
- Costello Rural Towong Cup
All winners will be announced at the bet365 Country Racing Victoria Awards evening on Saturday August 22, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
