Captain’s Knock targets key step toward $1 million Bonus

Bathurst will be the centre of attention for harness racing followers in New South Wales on Friday night when the leading western districts club hosts the third leg of the TAB Carnival Of Cups for 2025-26.

Wagga and Newcastle were the first venues in the current carnival series with organisers thrilled by the patronage and success of both race meetings.

It is anticipated that given its central location, Bathurst will be even bigger and apart from the racing, a star line up of Australian rock talent, headed by multiple ARIA award winning artists Birds Of Tokyo.

The $60,000 ‘Gold Rush’ Cup will be the feature on an eight-race program with several leading stables indicating that they will be there to chase the rich spoils on offer.

Goulburn based trainer Brad has his star pacer Captains Knock engaged in the Gold Rush Cup, and should he be able to win, will secure a $250,000 bonus, part of Harness Racing New South Wales’ lucrative Cups incentive scheme.

Captains Knock has to date won both Cup races at Wagga and Newcastle and should he win all five, would collect a whopping $1 million in bonuses.

With a large crowd expected, HRNSW’s Marketing Manager Paul Cochrane is excited for what the night will surely bring, strongly encouraging those in the Bathurst region to attend a night to remember.

“This could be one of the biggest nights we have held throughout the three seasons that the new look Carnival of Cups series has been run,” he said.

“In saying that, every Club that has hosted one of these features to date has done a tremendous job, they have all been a success.

“The musical acts are huge, and I am certain that the Bathurst Cup field will be very strong.

“Captains Knock is on target for the bonuses which adds that extra intrigue.

“The Bathurst community is known for supporting big sporting and musical events very well, so we can expect a big crowd to turn out.” 

While tickets for the Carnival Crib have sold out, there are still general admission tickets available.

General admission is FREE and can be found at www.carnivalofcups.com.au

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW