The Illawarra Turf Club’s richest horse race has been given a major status upgrade. The Illawarra Mercury The Gong, which carries $1million in prizemoney, has been reclassed as a Group 3, the third most prestigious level of thoroughbred horse race worldwide.
The 1600m quality handicap, which will be run at Kembla Grange Racecourse’s standalone meeting on Saturday, 23rd November 2024, has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2019.
Illawarra Turf Club CEO, Steven Keene, says the black-type upgrade is deserved.
“The elevation of The Gong to a Group 3 is a reflection of how strong the race has become,” he said. “Runners in The Gong have gone on to win Group 1 races so it’s great to have those successes recognised.”
The Gong is among a dozen races to have their status upgraded. Most notably, The Everest, which has a $20 million prize pool, and The All-Star Mile, will now be run as Group 1s.
The Gong Race Day, which has become a highlight on the region’s social calendar, has a 10-event program including The Illawarra Mercury The Gong and the meeting’s other feature race, The $300,000 Snap Wollongong The Warra.
Grammy Award-winning DJ Riton will be playing live on the day. There will also be food trucks, pop up bars, fashions on the field, The Little Gong Precinct, and other entertainment.
Tickets are available via Moshtix.
For media enquiries please contact CEO Steven Keene on (02) 4261 7211 or steven@illawarraturf.com.au