The feature meeting is expected to attract racegoers, fashion enthusiasts and visitors from across the region for a full day of country racing and entertainment.
Hosted by the Berrigan & District Race Club, the annual Gold Cup has built a reputation as a highlight of the local racing calendar, combining competitive country thoroughbred racing with the unique atmosphere that only a country race meeting can provide.
This year's meeting will feature a six-race program, headlined by the prestigious 1600m Berrigan Cup, sponsored by Baxter Transport & Namarang Farms.
The card also includes the Neil Davis Memorial, a Class 1 Handicap over 1100m, along with maiden and benchmark events that are expected to attract strong nominations from across the district and beyond.
While nominations do not close until Monday, last year’s cup winner Eamonn’s Memory is expected to be a contender for the cup race.
After claiming the Deniliquin Gold Cup for the second consecutive time on Saturday, part-owner Adrian Grantham confirmed his next target was back-to-back Berrigan Cups on Derby Day.
In just over 12 months, in the best form of his career, Eamonn’s Memory has won two Deniliquin Cups, consecutive Jerilderie Cups, a Griffith Cup and the 2025 Berrigan Cup.
Eamonn’s Memory is trained at Wangaratta by Andrew Dale, and was ridden on Saturday by experienced Riverina jockey Bradley Vale.
The eight year-old veteran, under a huge weight of 63kg, found another gear in the final 50m and surged to the line to record a narrow victory.
He started $4 second favourite, surprisingly not the popular elect despite being the class horse in the field, due to his weight and a last start 12th at Seymour only six days prior.
The $3.80 favourite Zetalyn led for most of the race, and was in front turning for home, from Alternate with Eamonn’s Memory having to pick up ground with his big impost.
Alternate, winner of the Diggers Cup at Deniliquin on Anzac Day, took the lead and looked set to record his second Cup victory on the local track. But when Vale asked Eamonn’s Memory for a final effort the gelding responded.
In a thrilling finish, race caller Nigel Killip summed it up: “He’s a marvel”, he stated.
Zetalyn held on for third place.
While the racing action will be the main attraction on the track at Berrigan next weekend, there will be plenty happening off it.
The ever-popular Fashions on the Field competition will be held, with prizes valued at $4000 on offer.
Race club officials are encouraging patrons to make a day of it, with gates opening at 11am and live music providing entertainment throughout the afternoon.
Full TAB and bookmaker facilities, trackside bars, gourmet catering and marquee packages will also be available.
The action won't stop with the final race, with the popular Berrigan's 100m Dash returning to the racecourse.
In this competition, horses are replaced by humans.
Open to both men and women, the winner-takes-all sprints offer $100 cash prizes and are sure to provide plenty of entertainment when they get under way near the mounting yards shortly after the last event.
The dash kicks off 20 minutes after the final horse race at the mounting yards.
To help visitors travel safely, bus services will operate from Tocumwal, Cobram, Barooga and Yarrawonga, while a local courtesy bus will run throughout the day.
The Gold Cup remains one of the most anticipated events on the Berrigan calendar, with the race club acknowledging the ongoing support of sponsors, volunteers, committee members and community groups who help bring the meeting to life each year.
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