Kembla Grange’s marquee race day has been given another boost with the elevation of The Warra to a Group 3.
The 1000m sprint, which is sponsored by Snap Print Solutions Wollongong in 2024, is one of two features to be run at The Gong Race Day on Saturday, 23rd November.
The Warra carries a purse of $300,000 and has attracted strong fields since its inaugural running in 2021, with all three winners going on to enjoy stakes race success.
“The race is in its infancy, but it has been well supported from the start,” The Illawarra Turf CEO Steven Keene said. “We are thrilled to have the quality of the race recognised with black type and expect the strongest field yet this year.”
The status upgrade of The Warra follows last month’s promotion of The Illawarra Mercury The Gong to a Group 3. The $1million mile is among more than a dozen races to have its status upgraded. Most notably The Everest was run as a Group 1 for the first time on 19th October.
A total of $2.5million in prize money is on offer across ten races on The Gong Race Day, with the standalone meeting marking the official end of the NSW Spring Carnival.
“Our Big Dance/Cup Day meeting on Tuesday attracted more than 3,000 racegoers and we are confident of doubling that for The Gong,” Mr Keene said.
Grammy Award-winning DJ Riton will be playing live on the public lawn. There will also be food trucks, pop up bars, fashions on the field, The TAB Lobby, The Little Gong Beer Garden, Jansz Rose Garden, 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