Gilgandra Jockey club secretary Guy McAnally Elwin says the first day of his club’s carnival on 27 December will be blessed with sunny weather and a good 4 track for its 6 race program.

"Race fans are being encouraged to come out in Hawaiian theme, there’s live music and it should be a great day."

Main interest will be in the Benchmark Handicap over the 1600.

Gulgong trainer Brett Thompson has 4 horses engaged in the 12 horse field.

Yiasou, a six year old gelding, has been running into form winning at 1400m at Warren 3 weeks ago.

Stablemate Tropicana’s Cube has won at the race distance and has in-form jockey Clayton Gallagher.

Locally trained Order of Merit for Gilgandra’s Kieren Hazelton loves his home track.

The money should come for Muswellbrook trained Hermosa Rosa in the 1100m Benchmark 50.

The 6 year old mare placed in her last 4 runs and will go out a hot favourite.

Hometown galloper Dao Sun placed at the distance here and also looms as apprentice Izzy Neale takes 2.56kg off his big weight.

Gilgandra race fans will be hoping Invincible Phantom, newly transferred to the Kieren Hazelton stable, begins the day with success.

He has early speed and this is the easiest race he has contested.

He is owned by race secretary Guy Elwin.

Racing gets underway at 2.15 a big crowd expected.

It will be followed by Cup day on 4 January 2026.