STRATHALBYN Racecourse’s most successful export, eight-year-old gelding Alcopop, will be making a feature gallop at the much loved Langhorne Creek Vignerons Day this Sunday (November 18) before setting off for the bright lights of Hong Kong next week.
Fresh from a winning his maiden Group 1 in the Mackinnon Stakes on Derby Day at Flemington, Alcopop and connections received an invitation from the Hong Kong Jockey Club to race in the $HK22million Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on December 9.
It is the first time that Alcopop – who’s been in great form over Spring Carnival with close seconds in the Caulfield Stakes (2000m) and Caulfield Cup (2400m) and then victory in the Mackinnon Stakes – will travel overseas.
Strathalbyn Racing Club Executive Officer Sharon Cimarosti said the local racing fraternity couldn’t be prouder.
“We definitely have a soft spot for Alcopop, who trains out of the Strathalbyn Racing Club,” she said.
“His trainer, Jake Stephens, makes great use of the beaches of the Fleurieu Peninsula in his training program but lots of the hard work is done here at the track.”
Sunday’s eight race program will feature a special appearance by Alcopop who will gallop down the home straight between Races 6 and 7.
“We’re very excited that Jake has offered to take Alcopop on a feature gallop around the track on Sunday. He’s been around for a long time and has a loyal fan base, especially the locals who are proud of what he’s done on the national stage.”
“Langhorne Creek Vignerons Day is one of our biggest events for the year and there’s sure to be a bumper crowd who’ll want to get up close and personal with this champion horse.”
The day is not just one for the racing fans though. Celebrity racehorses aside, Langhorne Creek Vignerons Day is a social day out for food and wine enthusiasts.
Attracting record crowds to Strathalbyn Racecourse over the past few years, Vignerons Day has earned a reputation for introducing racegoers to some of South Australia’s finest produce - and guests at this year’s event won’t be disappointed.
Food will be provided by a variety of growers and retailers including Talinga Grove dips, olives and cheese platters, fresh seafood, gourmet sausages, barbecues, wood oven pizzas, homemade pies and fresh desserts – all local Fleurieu Peninsula produce.
Langhorne Creek stalwarts Angas Plain Wines, Bremerton, Bleasdale, Gipsie Jack, Lake Breeze, Brothers in Arms and Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine will provide tastings and sales on the day.
A variety of corporate and private hospitality packages are available, but if a picnic race day is more your scene, bring along your own packed lunch and enjoy a day on the lawns.
Gates open at the track at 9.30am on November 18 with general admission $15.
For bookings and more information visit www.strathracing.com.au.
RACING SA MEDIA RELEASE
