For the second year running the Parkes Services and Citizens Club will proudly sponsor the Cup. 

The Services Club also sponsor the Satellite Handicap race. 

Jockey Club President Mark Ross has organised four trophies for the winning connections of owner, trainer, jockey and sponsor of the 1600 metre race. 

“We hope to develop a long standing relationship with the club,” Mark said. 

“All Services Club members will receive free admission when they show their members card and there will be a lucky gate prize for members as well.”

Parkes Services and Citizen Club President, Terry Knowles said the club are happy to be supporting the Parkes Jockey Club.

“It’s great to be able to sponsor the Jockey Club and their gold cup, especially the 123^rd running of the cup,” he said.

Mark said it is an eight race full TAB meeting with the usual on course facilities.

“We’ll have a full bar operating and the Parkes Brigade of the Rural Fire Service will be catering for us with their mobile kitchen,” Mark said.

“They’ll have a barbecue lunch, drinks and snacks available.

“Despite the grandstand being out of action, we still have plenty of tables and chairs for race-goers.

“Bring your own picnic rug and enjoy the grounds, they are looking fantastic.”

The jockey club has resigned sponsorship with XXXX Lion Nathan Breweries.

“To celebrate we’ll have giveaways at the bar,” Mark said.

The only break in the history of the running of the Parkes Gold Cup was during war time. 

The race is run over a distance of one mile (1,600 metres) and attracts prize money totalling $25,000.

Last year the race was won by Itchyzariz trained by Matthew Dale and rode by Kayla Nisbet.  Heyson, the winner of 2015 was placed third. 

The races attract high quality horses, trainers and jockeys from across the state.

The Parkes track is considered to be one of the better tracks in the area and has the second longest straight in the western districts, only pipped at the post by Warren.