The Entertainment Grounds will come alive this Saturday, 9 May 2026, as Coast Race Day returns with one of the strongest race programs on the calendar, combining top-tier racing with hospitality packages and vibrant on-course entertainment.
With gates opening at 10:15am and Race 1 underway at 11:15am, racegoers can enjoy a full 10-race program, alongside a buzzing social atmosphere. General Admission tickets will still be available for purchase at the gate.
A new highlight for 2026: The Golden Moment
Adding to the excitement this year is The Golden Moment, offering one lucky attendee the chance to win $100,000 in cash or two cars valued at just under $110,000.
“The Golden Moment is a new initiative from us, that should draw a non-traditional racing crowd to the track and provide added excitement to the day,” said CEO of Gosford Race Club, Daniel Lacey.
“To have a chance of winning $100,000 in cash or two cars worth just under $110,000 is a great promotion and hopefully if it’s won will change someone’s life. Even if they don’t win the grand prize, they are guaranteed a weekend away in the Hunter Valley with a De Bortoli winery tour and tasting,” Lacey said.
This year’s race card features 10 races and more than $2 million in prize money, Central Coast’s richest race day. showcasing some of the best horses, trainers, and jockeys in the country.
The program builds throughout the day, highlighted by:
- Race 7 – $250,000 Listed De Bortoli Takeover Target Stakes (1200m)
- Race 8 – $500,000 Steinbok The Coast (1600m)
- Race 9 – $300,000 Listed Guardian Gosford Gold Cup (2100m)
“The fields this year are very strong with a number of very open races. It is especially pleasing to see that the Gold Cup has maximum acceptances. The fact that this race carries eligibility to the Big Dance has made a significant difference,” Lacey said.
Following extensive renovations completed in Spring, the Gosford track is performing at a new level, delivering more competitive racing.
“Steve Scollard, Ricky Fraser, and the track team have put in the extra yards this year since our extensive renovation in the Spring. This has led to a very consistent racing surface, and, combined with an even camber on the home turn. Jockeys are now starting their run earlier, which has increased the competitiveness of racing at Gosford, as highlighted by multiple track records being broken,” Lacey added.
Coast Race Day is more than just what happens on the track, with a full lineup of entertainment and experiences across the venue:
- DJ Aria performing after the last race to close out the day
- The Golden Moment – your chance to win $100,000
- Glam Bar for race day styling and touch-ups
- Punters Podium with racing analyst Adrian Sciglitano (Races 5–9)
- A wide range of bars, food outlets and hospitality experiences
Whether you’re there for the racing, the entertainment, or the chance to win big, Coast Race Day offers something for everyone. Hospitality packages close on Thursday, 7 May 2026 at 10am.
General admission can be purchased for cheaper online than at the gate.
www.theentertainmentgrounds.com.au/events/coast-race-day/