General News
5 April, 2026
Chasing a Stawell Gold Cup dream
For Jade Smith and Chelsea Thompson, today's Thomas Foods Stawell Gold Cup isn’t just another race on the calendar — it’s the one they want to ride in.
Both can already picture it.
“It’d be unreal,” Jade said. “Hopefully one day.”
Chelsea is taking steps towards that goal now, having recently relocated to Stawell to further her career.
She won’t ride in the Cup this year, but will have mounts across today's program as she continues to build experience.
Jade, meanwhile, will be watching.
The promising young rider is sidelined through injury, her recovery described as “very slow” but progressing, after a strong run of 11 winners earlier this season.
Missing the Cup meeting stings — but the goal hasn’t shifted.
If anything, it carries more weight.
Her father, respected local trainer Dane Smith, won the Stawell Gold Cup in 2017 with Mujadale — a horse Jade describes as “probably the best we’ve trained”.
The win, following victories in the Ararat and Ballarat Cups, remains one of the stable’s defining moments.
“It was one of the highlights of our career,” she said.
It’s a piece of local racing history Jade grew up around — and one she now hopes to be part of herself.
Both riders believe their chance will come.
This Sunday, the Stawell Gold Cup returns.
The Easter meeting remains a highlight of the country racing calendar, combining racing with a full day of trackside entertainment.
Live music from Ron Kingston will set the tone, while Pan Pacific Fashions on the Field will again bring colour and creativity to the course.
Families will also be catered for, with a dedicated children’s precinct featuring supervised activities, face painting and a basketball shoot-out.
Racegoers are encouraged to plan ahead, with transport options available from across the region.
A $10 return bus service will operate from Halls Gap, Pomonal and Lake Fyans, departing Lakeside Tourist Park at 11am, Halls Gap Information Centre at 11.10am, Breeze Caravan Park at 11.15am, Pomonal General Store at 11.25am and Lake Fyans Holiday Park at 11.30am, arriving at the Stawell Racecourse at 11.45am. The return service will depart the racecourse at 5.30pm.
Passengers are advised no physical tickets will be issued, with drivers operating from a booking list.
A complimentary town courtesy bus will also run from the Gift Hotel in Main Street to the racecourse at 11.15am, 11.30am and 11.45am, with return services at 5.30pm, 5.45pm and 6pm.
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