IT’S the dawn of a new era for Gawler’s three racing clubs as they come together to present the Gawler Carnival of Cups (GCOC).

Kicking off on October 15, the 10-day extravaganza will not only feature the annual cups for the greyhounds, harness and thoroughbreds, but will include several other events to engage the local community, including a gala dinner and an awards program.

GCOC is a joint initiative of Gawler Greyhound Racing Club, Gawler Harness Racing Club and Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club.

Organisers, who launched the initiative online on Sunday, said the carnival would bring the community together to celebrate the local racing industry, with plans to expand over the next few years to become Gawler’s premier event.

Already in the pipeline are tours to equine facilities and wineries in the Barossa Valley, while a polo exhibition match, gymkhana and barrel races are also being explored.

GCOC director Aaron Bain said the event would be “a fantastic boost” for the three racing clubs, as well as businesses in Gawler and surrounding districts.

“We are very excited about the potential of the carnival to attract people from all over South Australia and from interstate,” Mr Bain said.

“We have already received fantastic support, including from our naming rights partner, TAB, which has signed up for three years, and major partner, the Ahrens Group, which is well known for its strong support of the local community.”

Many more sponsors have come on board to help deliver the inaugural GCOC, which will run from October 15-24.

The action-packed track program includes the Gawler Harness Racing Cup on Sunday, October 17, the Gawler Cup (thoroughbreds) and an after-race concert on Friday, October 22 and the Gawler Greyhound Cup on Sunday, October 24, which will close the carnival.

Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said the three Gawler racing clubs were to be commended for bringing the Carnival of Cups to Gawler.

“I urge local businesses and residents to get behind this fantastic initiative and create a real community event that we can all be proud of,” Ms Redman said.

Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club chief executive Shane Collins said he was excited about the creation of the Carnival of Cups.

“It is excellent to see the three racing codes coming together to help promote each other,” Mr Collins said. “The addition of other events to back up the three race meetings will ensure a week of festivities.”

Leading racehorse trainer Gary Searle is a strong supporter of the initiative.

“Gawler has been a strong area for all three racing codes for many years,” Mr Searle said.

“To bring the three together for a week of racing and events is a fantastic idea.

“Each of the codes has a strong support base, and to be able to mix and match over a week will be wonderful for the town.

“This will help continue building Gawler and the surrounding areas as a leader of the three codes.”

There are opportunities for individuals and business to get involved and support GCOC. In addition to a range of sponsorship options, a limited number of GCOC memberships are available for $100.

Members will have access to an exclusive GCOC marquee at each of the three Cup days, including drink vouchers and nibbles, as well as special offers and discounts.

Tickets to the gala dinner and other events will be available on the GCOC website and there will be free entry to the Gawler Greyhound Cup (heats and final) and the Gawler Harness Racing Cup.

Breakfast with the Stars at the Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club and a Calcutta night at the Kingsford Hotel are both expected to attract a large crowd.

Mr Bain said the carnival wanted to acknowledge key contributors and promote career, employment and volunteering opportunities in the Gawler racing industry.

“We have established an awards program that will be a key focus for the carnival,” Mr Bain said.

“As well as a lifetime achievement award, we will be presenting a young person aged between 15 and 25 with a $5000 rewards and experience package to help them pursue a career in racing or an associated endeavour.

“The three Gawler racing clubs are extremely proud to be involved in this initiative.”

The two awards, which will be presented at the gala dinner, will be funded by sponsors and donations to the GCOC awards program through the Australian Sports Foundation.

Donations are tax-deductible and can be made at asf.org.au/projects/gawler-carnivalof- cups-ltd.

To ensure the smooth running of GCOC, the three local clubs have formed a notfor- profit organisation, Gawler Carnival of Cups Limited. Representatives from each of the clubs form the management committee. More information about GCOC is available at gawlercarnivalofcups.com.au, including the program of events, sponsorship proposal, award nomination forms and membership sign up.

For further details, email info@gawlercarnivalofcups.com.au