The Gong is a $1 million Group 3 quality handicap race held at Kembla Grange Racecourse in late November. Established in 2019, it caps off Sydney's Spring Racing Carnival and attracts the season's best metropolitan milers over 1600 metres.
The Gong has rapidly established itself as one of Australia's most significant provincial horse races since its inception in 2019. With a prize pool of $1 million, this Group 3 quality handicap at Kembla Grange represents the culmination of Sydney's extended Spring Racing Carnival and offers punters a unique betting opportunity on quality milers outside the traditional metropolitan circuit. Understanding the race dynamics, form requirements, and betting strategies specific to The Gong is essential for maximizing returns in this lucrative feature.
Racing NSW introduced The Gong as part of their strategic expansion of the Spring Racing Carnival, creating a nine-week sequence of million-dollar race days that extends beyond the traditional Sydney metropolitan tracks. Held at Kembla Grange Racecourse in the Illawarra region, the race takes its name from Wollongong's local nickname and has successfully attracted quality fields featuring horses that might otherwise target Melbourne spring features.
The race conditions favour proven performers over the mile distance, with the quality handicap format ensuring competitive betting markets. Unlike weight-for-age races, the handicap structure creates opportunities for lightly-weighted horses to challenge established stars, making form analysis and weight assessment critical components of successful betting strategies.
The Gong is contested over 1600 metres on Kembla Grange's right-handed turf track. As a quality handicap, horses carry weights assigned by Racing NSW handicappers based on their recent performances and career achievements. The race is open to horses aged three years and upwards with no gender restrictions, creating diverse and competitive fields.
Kembla Grange's 1600-metre start positions horses on the back straight, requiring one complete circuit of the right-handed track. The course features a relatively short home straight of approximately 300 metres, placing premium value on horses with tactical speed and the ability to position forward in running. The track can play differently depending on weather conditions, with the coastal location making it susceptible to rain that can transform racing surfaces quickly.
Handicap weights typically range from 50kg to 61kg, with topweights often carrying significant burdens that test their class and stamina. Historical results show that horses carrying 58kg or more face considerable challenges, though genuine Group-level performers can overcome weight penalties. The handicapping system aims to equalize winning chances, creating betting value throughout the field rather than concentrating favouritism on a single dominant runner.
Since its inaugural running in 2019, The Gong has produced a mix of favourite and outsider victories, with track conditions and weight distribution playing decisive roles. Mister Sea Wolf claimed the first edition, establishing the race's credentials by attracting quality metropolitan form. Subsequent winners have included horses rising through the grades and established Group performers, demonstrating the race's appeal across different horse profiles.
The Ciaron Maher-trained Gringotts made history by becoming the first dual winner of The Gong, saluting in both 2024 and 2025. His back-to-back victories, achieved despite carrying topweight of 60kg and 61kg respectively, showcased the quality required to overcome significant weight burdens. Gringotts' success pattern of arriving fresh from The Big Dance victory on Melbourne Cup Day established a proven pathway to The Gong that subsequent trainers have attempted to replicate.
In the 2025 edition, Nash Rawiller's tactical brilliance on Gringotts demonstrated the importance of race riding strategy at Kembla Grange. His decision to maintain a rails position on a Heavy 8 track while other jockeys searched for better ground wide proved decisive, highlighting how track conditions and jockey tactics can override traditional form assessments in betting analysis.
The Gong betting markets typically open several weeks before the race, with early odds reflecting spring form from metropolitan Sydney tracks. Bookmakers focus on horses with proven 1400m-1600m form, particularly those targeting the race specifically rather than travelling to Melbourne for alternative spring features.
Market movements intensify after final field declarations and barrier draws. Weight allocation plays a crucial role, with topweights often facing significant challenges. Track conditions at Kembla Grange can vary dramatically, making weather monitoring essential for informed betting decisions in the days leading up to the race.
Successful betting on The Gong requires understanding the specific factors that influence outcomes at Kembla Grange over 1600 metres. Unlike metropolitan Group 1 races where class often dominates, The Gong's handicap conditions and provincial setting create unique betting dynamics that reward thorough analysis beyond simple form reading.
Competitive chances typically emerge from horses with recent metropolitan form over 1400m to 1600m. Horses specifically targeted at The Gong rather than travelling to Melbourne spring features often represent value, as their preparation patterns align precisely with the race timing and conditions. Form from Randwick and Rosehill mile races provides the most relevant guide, particularly performances in quality handicaps or Group races at similar weight ranges.
Horses arriving from The Golden Eagle or The Hunter campaigns bring proven form at the right distance and class level. However, quick backups from these races require careful assessment of recovery ability and weight shifts. Fresh horses returning from brief spells after earlier spring campaigns can offer betting value if their previous form demonstrated mile capability.
Analyzing the weight-to-performance ratio is crucial for identifying betting value in The Gong. Horses carrying 54kg or less with recent metropolitan placings often represent each-way value, while topweights above 58kg must demonstrate genuine Group-class ability to justify short odds. Historical data shows that horses carrying 56-57kg with strong recent form provide the optimal balance of quality and weight advantage.
Class assessment should focus on recent Group or Listed race performances rather than career highlights from previous preparations. A horse with Group 2 placings in the current preparation carrying 55kg may offer superior value to a former Group 1 winner returning from a spell with 60kg, particularly if track conditions favour lighter-weighted runners.
Kembla Grange's coastal location makes weather monitoring essential in the days before The Gong. The track can shift from Good to Heavy within 24 hours, dramatically altering betting calculations. Heavy track specialists with proven wet-track form command premium attention when rain threatens, while horses with exclusively firm-track form face significant query marks.
The rail position at Kembla Grange influences racing patterns and betting strategies. A true rail position typically favours on-pace runners and horses with tactical speed to secure forward positions. When the rail is out several metres, the track often plays more fairly for horses settling back in the field, creating value opportunities on closers with strong finishing sectionals.
The 1600-metre start at Kembla Grange places horses on the back straight with ample time to find positions before the first turn. However, barrier draws still influence betting markets and race outcomes. Inside barriers provide natural advantages for horses with early speed, allowing economical trips on the fence. Wide barriers require horses to either use energy to cross or settle back and rely on superior finishing ability.
Horses drawn wide with tactical speed face difficult decisions that can compromise their chances regardless of form superiority. Conversely, horses drawn inside with proven finishing ability may struggle if the pace is slow and leaders control the race. Matching barrier draws to racing patterns is essential for accurate betting assessment.
The Gong attracts comprehensive betting markets from Australian bookmakers, with fixed odds, tote options, and exotic bet types all available. Early markets often present value opportunities before public money concentrates on obvious chances. Comparing odds across multiple bookmakers identifies price discrepancies that can significantly impact long-term betting profitability.
Each-way betting provides risk mitigation in competitive handicaps where multiple chances exist. Understanding each bookmaker's place terms, typically one-quarter odds for first three places in fields of eight or more runners, helps calculate true value for each-way propositions. Exotic bets including quinellas, trifectas, and first-four bets offer higher returns but require broader form analysis across the entire field.
The Big Dance at Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day has emerged as the most significant lead-up race for The Gong, with Gringotts using this pathway successfully in both his victories. Other relevant lead-up races include The Hunter at Newcastle and various metropolitan mile handicaps at Randwick and Rosehill throughout October and early November. Horses resuming from brief spells after earlier spring campaigns should show recent barrier trial form indicating race readiness.
Sectional times from lead-up races provide valuable insights beyond simple margin analysis. Horses recording fast final 600m sectionals while finishing strongly indicate the stamina and finishing ability required for Kembla Grange's 1600 metres. Conversely, horses winning on speed with slowing sectionals may struggle if the pace is genuine in The Gong.
Ciaron Maher has established dominance in The Gong with three consecutive victories from 2023 to 2025, demonstrating his stable's ability to target and prepare horses specifically for this race. Trainers with strong provincial track records and experience at Kembla Grange warrant attention, as understanding the track's nuances provides competitive advantages. Sydney-based trainers naturally dominate the race, though interstate raiders occasionally contest when the race timing suits their spring programs.
Jockey selection significantly impacts outcomes, with experienced riders who understand Kembla Grange's characteristics holding advantages. Nash Rawiller's tactical ride on Gringotts in 2025 exemplified how race-riding skill can overcome apparent disadvantages. Monitoring jockey bookings in the days before the race identifies stable confidence and can signal betting moves.
The Gong represents a unique betting opportunity in Australian horse racing, combining significant prize money with handicap conditions that create competitive markets and value opportunities. Success requires comprehensive analysis extending beyond simple form reading to encompass weight assessment, track conditions, barrier draws, and tactical considerations specific to Kembla Grange's 1600-metre configuration. The race's relatively short history means patterns continue to emerge, but established indicators including recent metropolitan mile form, appropriate weight ranges, and proven track condition versatility provide reliable frameworks for betting decisions. As The Gong continues to grow in prestige and attract stronger fields, the betting markets will become increasingly sophisticated, rewarding punters who invest time in detailed analysis and maintain disciplined staking strategies focused on genuine value rather than short-priced favourites.
The Gong is held in late November at Kembla Grange Racecourse, typically on the third or fourth Saturday of the month. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, though dates are subject to official confirmation by Racing NSW.
The Gong is contested over 1600 metres as a Group 3 quality handicap. It is open to horses aged three years and upwards with no gender restrictions, and features a total prize pool of $1 million.
Gringotts, trained by Ciaron Maher, is the only horse to win The Gong multiple times, claiming consecutive victories in 2024 and 2025. Both wins came despite carrying topweight and demonstrated exceptional class and toughness over the mile distance.
The Big Dance at Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day has proven the most successful lead-up race, with Gringotts using this pathway for both victories. The Hunter at Newcastle and various metropolitan mile handicaps at Randwick and Rosehill throughout October and early November also provide relevant form references.
Weight significantly impacts outcomes in The Gong's handicap format. Horses carrying 58kg or more face considerable challenges, while those with 54-57kg and strong recent form often represent optimal betting value. Topweights must demonstrate genuine Group-class ability to overcome their weight burdens.
Kembla Grange can race differently depending on moisture levels and rail position. Heavy tracks favour proven wet-track performers with strong records on rain-affected surfaces. Good to firm tracks typically produce more even racing patterns, though tactical speed remains advantageous given the relatively short home straight.
Barrier draws influence race outcomes, though the 1600-metre start provides time for horses to find positions. Inside barriers suit horses with early speed for economical trips, while wide barriers challenge horses without tactical pace. Matching barrier draws to individual racing patterns is essential for accurate betting assessment.
Major Australian bookmakers including Ladbrokes, Neds, Sportsbet, and TAB all offer comprehensive markets on The Gong. Comparing odds across multiple platforms identifies the best available prices, with early markets often presenting value before public money concentrates on favourites.
Leading Australian bookmakers offering comprehensive markets and competitive odds for The Gong
Comprehensive analysis of how weight allocation impacts betting value and race outcomes in The Gong's handicap format, with historical performance data across different weight ranges.
Expert guide to understanding how Kembla Grange track conditions influence race outcomes and betting decisions, including weather monitoring and track bias identification.
Ciaron Maher-trained Gringotts became the first dual winner of The Gong, overcoming 61kg topweight and Heavy 8 track conditions to defeat Estadio Mestalla by half a length.
Racing NSW has announced The Gong 2026 will be held on Saturday, November 21 at Kembla Grange, maintaining the race's position as the finale of Sydney's extended Spring Racing Carnival.
The Gong will continue to offer a $1 million prize pool in 2026, cementing its status as one of Australia's richest provincial races and attracting quality metropolitan milers.