Adelaide Cup organisers have hired a massive shade structure and trucked it down from Darwin to keep racegoers in the shade on Monday.
The move follows last year’s problems with searing heat as temperatures headed above 40.
The shade structure is an award-winning design that’s been used in Darwin’s Cup Carnival, V-8 motor sports event and on the Gold Coast.
Designed by Darwin local Colin West, the structure covers 8700 square metres and provided shade for 20,000 racegoers at last August’s Darwin event.
“We’ve split it up and have shade out the back area as well as the lawn area in front of the stands,” South Australian Jockey Club chief executive Brenton Wilkinson said today.
“We decided after last year’s extreme heat that we would provide the best possible cover for patrons.
“Darwin Turf Club’s been very helpful and we’ve managed to get hold of this structure and the designer even flew down at no cost to oversee its construction.
“We’re expecting a crowd of around 20,000, a forecast of 34 degrees and a good race-card, so everything’s in place for a great day Monday.”
In an added bonus for patrons, Adelaide Metro services will be free on Monday for those going to and from Morphettville.
On the track, Tony McEvoy’s imported stayer Big Memory is the top local sharing favoritism with the Robert Smerdon prepared Cooldini.
Big Memory, a last start winner in the Listed Torney Cup at Moonee Valley, drew perfectly in barrier six, and Craig Williams will take the ride.
Cooldini who won the Listed Roy Higgins Quality at Flemington last weekend, will jump from barrier eleven, and he will have Glen Boss in the saddle.
Nick Smart’s Distillation, the winner of last Saturday’s Group 3 James Boag’s Premium Lord Reims Stakes at Morphettville will give punters value for money.
