The Cup circuit follows on from the Dalby Cup last Saturday and the Moree Cup, which was run on Sunday.

President Geoff Makim is ecstatic with the record 105 nominations.

He believes a number of things have contributed to the giant field including upgrades to the track and an injection of prizemoney from Queensland racing.

The Goondiwindi XXXX Gold Cup weekend has grown in stature since its inclusion as part of the Gourmet in Gundy Weekend.

Race lovers have another reason to make an effort to attend on Saturday.

They could head home with a wonderful piece of racing memorabilia which commemorates a great sporting partnership: champion race horse Gunsynd and champion jockey Roy Higgins.

The piece which pictures Gunsynd and Higgins in full-flight has been donated by racing and sporting memorabilia buff, Daryn Cornelius.

“These have sold like hot cakes on the web and this is the only one left,” Goondiwindi’s own racing buff, Phil Percival said.

It will be auctioned.

Gourmet in Gundy has become one of the “pin-up” weekends for the district.

This year, Gourmet’s special guest is Guy Leech who will prove to be a great crowd favorite.

Racing gets underway Saturday at 1.30pm and the last race is at 4.45pm.

Then on Sunday morning, after the Kaloma Home opening, the big crowd will gather for the Gourmet Food & Wine festival at the Cultural Centre.