The Gold Coast Turf Club will work hand-in-hand with the Sunshine Coast Turf Club to deliver this year’s revamped $1.6 Million Hollindale Stakes Raceday on May 6.
Traditionally run at Aquis Park, the Hollindale Stakes Raceday will be staged on the Sunshine Coast this year while the $63 million redevelopment of the Gold Coast Turf Club is completed.
One of the feature racing events of the Winter Carnival, the $1.6 Million Raceday has been rebadged as The Coast to Coast Raceday for 2023 but will retain its level of quality racing with six black-type races on the nine race card.
Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Steve Lines said the occasion presented a rare opportunity for both clubs to work together on delivering a major raceday.
“Having two racing clubs working so closely together to put on a marquee race day really is unique,” said Lines.
“Naturally we look forward to the race returning back to the Gold Coast in 2024 but we’re confident the collective efforts of both organisations will make the Coast to Coast Raceday one to remember.
“I am sure the Sunshine Coast public will relish the opportunity to attend a feature raceday boasting six black type races.”
Sunshine Coast Turf Club CEO John Miller said the organisation was ecstatic to be hosting the event.
“We’re really excited to be working with the Gold Coast Turf Club to deliver the feature Hollindale Stakes meeting,” said Miller.
“Hosting a race day of this calibre is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come along and see high quality racing in our own backyard, adding to our existing feature racedays throughout the year.
“It speaks volumes for all the hard work we’ve done here at the Turf Club, and hosting Saturday metropolitan racing is a wonderful advertisement not only for the local racing fraternity but for the whole area.
“It will bring a welcome injection to local businesses, but importantly gives locals a chance to come and experience a quality day of entertainment both on and off the track, without having to leave the Sunshine Coast.”
The Coast to Coast Raceday is headlined by the $500,000 Group 2 TAB Hollindale Stakes, along with the two $200,000 Group 3’s in the Gold Coast Guineas and Ken Russell Memorial Classic.
Adding to the allure of the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes is the $200,000 bonus on offer should a horse win the feature race and back it up with a win in the Doomben Cup or the Q22 Races held later in the Winter Carnival.
Multiple Group 1 winner Zaaki achieved the feat in 2021 winning the Hollindale Stakes and Doomben Cup for trainer Annabel Neasham (before the bonus was introduced).
Zaaki returned to make history with back-to-back Hollindale Stakes victories last year en route to a successful Melbourne Spring Carnival campaign which saw him claim victory in the $3 Million Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes.
Lines said attracting the likes of Group 1 performers such as Zaaki was again firmly on the club’s agenda as the GCTC continues its push to have the race elevated to Group 1 status.
“The Hollindale has continued to rate highly over the past three years and we will continue to advocate for to it be classified as a Group 1,” said Lines
“The Sunshine Coast Turf Club is a quality racetrack so we know that this will only assist in attracting top line horses for this year’s running of the Hollindale.”
There will be plenty of superb action and entertainment off the track as well, with attendees having the option to sprawl on the front lawn or celebrate the day in style with one of quality packages.
For more information on the SCTC’s Dining & Hospitality packages, head to:
