THE Berrigan Gold Cup is the social event of the year in the Berrigan Shire, attracting more than 5000 people to the town every November.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Berrigan District Race Club once played host to 11 meetings a year but is now down to three a year, including the Gold Cup and a September meet named in honour of legendary trainer Bert Honeychurch.
President Andrew Gorman said it was important the club maintained the three meetings, especially the cup.
"In these small country towns if you lose the footy club or you lose the race club people move away," Mr Gorman said.
"It gives the young people something to do, something to be involved in and a sense of community.
"And when you have a successful meet it makes it that much more satisfying."
Last year's Berrigan Cup was a great success with more than 5500 people attending.
"All the clubs and motels were booked out for the weekend and the businesses did a roaring trade," Mr Gorman said.
"The kids who have grown up here and gone away bring their friends and once they come once, they're back every year.
"Everybody who comes loves it."
Berrigan trainer Emma Steel said country meetings such as Berrigan's were integral to the sport.
"For small trainers and owners with country horses we need this race or none of us are going to survive," Mrs Steel said.
"It's pretty hard to win anywhere but it gives you a chance at these smaller meetings."
