RESPECTED FIGURE: Well known racing identity Rob Gaylard has been announced as the Cup Day ambassador for the Wangaratta Cup.
Well known face signs on as Cup Day ambassador
THE revival of the Wangaratta Cup, set down for Sunday, April 11, has gained further momentum with the announcement of one of racing’s best known faces, Rob Gaylard, as Cup Day ambassador.
Gaylard, who is the Master of Ceremonies at Flemington throughout the year and the on course host on Melbourne Cup Day, will attend the major functions on the big day, as well as provide celebrity tips and mix with the racegoing public.
Gaylard built his reputation as a chief sports anchor in television with the Nine Network alongside Brian Naylor, was a regular on World of Sport and has in recent years been a newsreader and sports co-ordinator on regional television.
He has covered the America’s Cup, the Melbourne Cup , the Stawell Gift and the national cycling championships.
However, it has been his love of racing that has been his maintstay.
He is the host of the Darwin Cup Carnival, including acting as MC at the biggest ball in the southern hemisphere, which saw 3500 racing enthusiasts gather under the stars at Sky City Casino.
Gaylard is also a respected horseman himself, having been involved in many facets from show ring to the race track.
He is a sought after international horse judge from hacks to harness and carriage driving, and he is always behind the microphone at the equestrian events at the Melbourne and Brisbane Royal shows.
During his Wangaratta visit he will feature at both the Sam Miranda Ultimate Race Day package event and the Gold Marquee event, providing industry insight and race day tips.
Wangaratta Turf Club president, Bill Carlile, said the club was thrilled to have Gaylard on board.
"He will provide a very professional touch to what is shaping as an excellent day," Mr Carlile said.
"He is the voice and face of racing throughout Victoria’s metropolitan and country racetracks, and it will be wonderful to have him here on Cup Day.
"We are doing everything we can to provide racegoers with a day to remember, and a big crowd is essential to ensure we prove our worth as a major regional racing centre. We hope all of Wangaratta and district will get behind us," he said.
Annalee Humphry of Nolan Media and Events, the company handling the race day entertainment and functions, said response so far had been very positive.
"We only have five tables left in the Sam Miranda package, and we are getting good enquiries for the Gold Marquee, the Real Racegoers Grandstand Package and the Young Racegoers marquee.
"The Kids World will be a real highlight, with a huge range of events for youngsters of all ages, all fully staffed and supervised by accredited people, and entry to this will be free.
"People wanting to book into the package options should do so sooner rather than later," she said.
All enquiries should be directed to Annalee Humphry of NME on 0430 023 916.
|