ILLAWARRA Turf Club has appointed three new ambassadors for The Gong - the region’s biggest race day.
Olympic silver medallist Jessica Hull, premiership winning trainer Mitchell Beer, and renowned creative hair artist and business owner Amy Zikic will be trackside at Kembla Grange on Saturday, November 23.
“We are delighted to have Jess, Mitch and Amy on board for our premier race day,” said ITC chief executive Steve Keene.
“They each have a strong connection to the region and represent the broad appeal of horse racing.”
Jessica Hull grew up at Albion Park and returns home from asuccessful campaign at the Paris Olympics, where she made history as the first Australian woman to win a medal in the 1500m Final on the track.
Mitch Beer claimed three Southern Districts trainers’ premierships from his former Albury base before expanding his operation and relocating to Kembla Grange last year.
Amy Zikic (aka Amy Zee) is a name synonymous with hair. She is the founder of iconic salons in Wollongong, Shellharbour and Sydney, and is sought after as an educator both locally and internationally.
Hull, Beer and Zikic will join more than 6000 racegoers at The Gong race day, which has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2019.
The Illawarra Mercury The Gong (1600m) headlines the 10-race program. The $1m feature is expected to attract some of Australia’s best milers, having recently been granted Group 3 status.
The meeting’s other feature, the $300,000 Snap Wollongong The Warra will see a clash of the fastest sprinters over 1000m.
A huge program of entertainment, hospitality and fashions on the field will complement the racing program, and a live performance by Grammy award winning DJ and music producer Riton will bring down the curtain on what is sure to be an unforgettable day.
“Most of our hospitality packages sold out weeks ago and there are less than 200 tickets left for The Little Gong Beer Garden,” Steve Keene said.
“The Illawarra has clearly embraced the event as its own.”
The Gong spring carnival continues on Saturday with the Master Builders Association Illawarra Race Day, followed by the The Big Dance/Cup Day on Tuesday, November 5 and Spring Race Day on Saturday, November 16.
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