PIKE A DRAWCARD FOR GOLD COAST CUP MEETING
One of Australia’s leading jockeys is coming to the Gold Coast for the first time, with cult figure William Pike confirming he will ride on Heineken Gold Coast Cup Raceday on Saturday, May 8.
Western Australian-based Pike, nicknamed the ‘Wizard of the West’, attracts a cult following around the country and will act as major drawcard for the evolving Gold Coast Cup Raceday, which is part of the 2021 TAB Queensland Winter Racing Carnival.
Accepting an invitation from the Gold Coast Turf Club to attend, Pike and his family will call the Gold Coast their ‘home away from home’ in the lead-up to the Gold Coast Cup Raceday as they take in some of the Gold Coast’s biggest attractions away from the track.
He will be joined by some of the best jockeys from New South Wales and Victoria for the Gold Cup Cup Raceday, which also features the time-honoured Group 2 A.D Hollindale Stakes, Gold Coast Guineas, Gold Coast Bracelet and Ken Russell Memorial Classic.
Pike, who has ridden more than 2450 winners, has been making a success of ‘fly-in, fly out’ riding missions to Victoria recently and just last weekend won five of seven races, including the Group 1 William Reid Stakes and Mornington Cup.
“I’m really excited to ride on the Gold Coast for the first time,” said Pike.
“I have enjoyed riding at some of the feature meetings in Melbourne in recent times so it will be nice to enjoy some time relaxing with my family on the Gold Coast whilst trying to ride some winners as well.
“I know the club has some exciting plans for the future and for the Gold Coast Cup Raceday as well, so I’m happy to be involved and to help promote racing wherever I can.”
GCTC Chief Executive Steve Lines said Pike would be a major drawcard for the meeting.
“We’re delighted to have William riding here and given his cult figure status, his presence will certainly add another dimension to the raceday alongside some of the other top jockeys from NSW and VIC who will be in attendance,” said Lines.
“Having drawcards such as William here all aligns with our aim of growing the Gold Coast Cup Raceday and pushing for the Hollindale Stakes to be elevated to Group 1 status.
“We have been proactive in trying to attract some high quality horses from Sydney to further enhance the status of this meeting and we’re already buoyed by news that the likes of Kiwi superstar Melody Belle and Group 2 winner Vanna Girl targetting the Hollindale.
“If we can continue to attract elite horses, jockeys and trainers to our feature race meetings it will further aid our cause in pushing for more Metropolitan race meetings and to become the second Metropolitan Race club in Queensland.
“The success of this year’s Magic Millions, Wave and QTIS Jewel Racedays is further evidence of the club’s ability to host top quality race meetings on a regular basis.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact GCTC Racing Manager Ian Brown on 0439 559 991 or ianb@gctc.com.au
