It’s bet365 Gold Cup has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2025-26 Kelly Sports Country Racing Victoria Event of the Year Awards.
Country Racing Victoria recently announced the finalists for its annual awards, with the Benalla Gold Cup recognised alongside some of the state's premier country racing events, including the Geelong Super Saturday, Echuca Cup and Yarra Valley Christmas Party Race Day.
The nomination continues an impressive run for the Benalla Gold Cup, which has now been recognised as an Event of the Year finalist for the third time in four years.
Benalla Racing Club general manager Cameron Symes said the nomination was a testament to the hard work and commitment of the club's staff, volunteers, sponsors and supporters.
"We're incredibly proud to be recognised as an Event of the Year finalist,“ Symes said.
“This nomination reflects the dedication of our staff, volunteers, sponsors and community, who continue to make the Benalla Gold Cup a standout event on the country racing calendar.
"To be named a finalist for the third time in four years is a tremendous achievement for a regional club our size and highlights the strength of the event and the support it receives from across the community."
The 2025 bet365 Benalla Gold Cup attracted a strong crowd and featured a range of entertainment and hospitality offerings that helped create a vibrant race day atmosphere.
Extensive media coverage, including live broadcasts and mainstream television exposure, further showcased the event and the Benalla region to audiences across Victoria.
Symes said the recognition reinforced the importance of continued investment in regional racing events.
"The Benalla Gold Cup has grown into much more than a race meeting,“ Symes said.
“It delivers significant economic benefits for local businesses, attracts visitors to our region and provides an opportunity to showcase everything Benalla has to offer.
"This recognition belongs to everyone who contributes to the event, from our volunteers and sponsors through to our patrons and racing participants. We thank them all for their ongoing support."
The winner of the 2025-26 Kelly Sports Country Racing Victoria Event of the Year Award will be announced at the Country Racing Victoria Awards evening on August 22 with the successful club receiving a $10,000 grant.
Benalla Racing Club will now look forward to representing the region among the state's leading country racing clubs at the awards ceremony.
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