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Three new faces have joined Illawarra Turf Club as ambassadors for the region’s biggest raceday, The Gong.

Olympic silver medallist Jessica Hull, premiership-winning trainer Mitchell Beer, and renowned creative hair artist and business owner Amy Zikic will be trackside at Kembla Grange Racecourse on Saturday, 23rd November 2024.

“We are delighted to have Jess, Mitch, and Amy on board for our premier raceday,” said Illawarra Turf Club's CEO, Steven Keene. “They each have a strong connection to the region and represent the broad appeal of horse racing.”

Jessica Hull grew up in Albion Park and returns home fresh from a successful campaign at the Paris Olympics where she made history as the first Australian woman to win a medal in the 1500m race.

Mitchell Beer claimed three Southern Districts Trainer’s Premierships from his Albury base, before expanding his operation and establishing his main stables at Kembla Grange 12 months ago.

Amy Zikic AKA 'Amy Zee' is a name synonymous with hair. She is the founder of iconic salons in Wollongong, Shellharbour, and Sydney and is sought after as an educator both locally and internationally.

Jessica, Mitchell, and Amy will join more than 6,000 people at The Gong Raceday, which has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2019.

The Illawarra Mercury The Gong headlines the 10-race program. The $1 million race is expected to attract some of Australia’s best milers, having just been granted Group 3 status.

The meeting’s other feature race, the $300,000 Snap Wollongong The Warra, will see a clash of the fastest sprinters.

A huge program of entertainment, hospitality, and Fashions on the Field will complement the race card and a live performance by Grammy award-winning DJ and Producer, Riton, is sure to bring down the curtain on what is sure to be an unforgettable day.

“Most of our hospitality packages sold out weeks ago and there are less than 200 tickets left for The Little Gong Beer Garden,” Mr Keene said. “The Illawarra has embraced the event as its own.”

The Gong Spring Carnival continues this Saturday with Master Builders Association Illawarra Raceday, followed by The Big Dance/Cup Day on Tuesday, 5th November and Spring Raceday on Saturday 16th November. Tickets are available via Moshtix and are selling quickly.