IN a bonus for racegoers, an eighth race has been added to Sunday’s Mindarie-Halidon Cup meeting – and most of SA’s top jockeys are riding at the meeting.

Due to bumper nominations this week, Racing SA has split one of the maidens to create an extra race.

“We’re rapt with the fields we’ve got for Sunday,” a Mindarie-Halidon Racing Club spokesperson said today.

“Eight races, all with plenty of depth, and a strong Mindarie-Halidon Cup makes for a great day of country racing.”

In another boost for the club, the reigning SA metropolitan jockey premiership winner, former South African hoop Barend Vorster, will ride at Halidon on Sunday, as will former premiership winner Todd Pannell and rising star Kayla Crowther.

In addition, the 2022/23 metropolitan trainers’ premiership-winning stable, father-and-daughter duo Richard and Chantelle Jolly, have horses running at the Mallee track, including Cup fancy Kalamon.

“Having that support from the state’s top jockeys and trainers is a big vote of confidence for the club and the meeting,” the spokesperson said.

“The track has never looked better, and all is in readiness for what should be a wonderful day of racing on Sunday.”

Race one is at 12.40pm, while the $32,000 Mindarie-Halidon Cup is race 7 on the card, to be run at 4.10pm.

Around 1500 of the maximum 2000 tickets have already been snapped up. Remaining tickets are available at Moshtix (search ‘Halidon’).