The SeaLink Kangaroo Island Cup Carnival is going from strength-to-strength with the expanded KI Spirits Long Lunch for 400 guests selling out in August, and 25 private marquees booked out.
The Carnival includes two days of racing and starts on Thursday, February 15 and culminates with the Kangaroo Island Cup on Saturday, February 17.
Kangaroo Island Racing Club Secretary/Treasurer Greg Miller says support from across the Island community has been fabulous.
“Locals and key businesses across the Island have got behind us which has just been incredible, and they do it year in year out,” said Miller.
“You’ve only got to ask and they are happy to help out with sponsorship and things like that.
“A focus this year has been Fashion at the Races where we have over $5000 worth of prizes and we try to cover off everyone with a suitable prize for each category.
“Southern Ocean Lodge has just reopened over here and they’ve donated a stay for two people including a return ferry trip on Sealink which is valued at over $3500. We also have prizes from the Seafront Group two nights accommodation in an Eco Luxury Tent with return travel valued at $1202 a beautiful $500 Emu Bay Lavendar Farm Hamper and a fishing charter for the best dressed male valued at $320,” he said.
The KI Racing Club on the banks of the Cygnet River can now house over 120 horses on course overnight, largely thanks to the hard work of local farmer and committee member Kerry Brinkley.
Generously donating his own time, Brinkley put the finishing touches to 40 new stables in April and has also refurbished 20 old ones.
There’s also ongoing track upgrades.
“We are now working on replacing the outside running rail in the main straight with new Polvin white fencing and widening the horse race onto the course from the mounting yard,” said Miller.
“And we are going through the process of getting approval to erect some large shade sales over part of the general admission area which I’d love to get done in time for the races.”
Typically KI Cup Day attract more than 3000 patrons on the Saturday, and the committee is confident of surpassing this number again – with a little help from the weather.
“We’re at pretty much capacity now for the marquees, and the sell-out Long Lunch has been increased to include 400 patrons and we sold out in record time,” said Miller.
“It’s well worth pre-purchasing tickets on the Sealink website. You’ll save $5 if you pre-book, and it’s even better value if you get the general admission combo for both days of racing on the Thursday and Saturday.”
Legendary Melbourne Cup race caller Greg Miles and his wife are special guests of the Club for the Carnival. He’ll be guest speaker at the Welcoming Cocktail Party at the Ozone Hotel after the Thursday races.
Nominations for Kangaroo Island Cup Day close on Monday, February 12.
Book your tickets https://www.sealink.com.au/kangaroo-island/events/kangaroo-island-cup/
