The rug was presented to 2017 winner Mujadale and his trainers Dane and Heidi Smith on Thursday morning by committee member Jock McGregor who was also representing Sandy McGregor, the principle of E-Cycle Solutions.

Mujadale is a Stawell trained horse. 

Stawell Racing Club operations manager Mark Percival announced E-Cycle Solutions committed to a further two years sponsorship of the Stawell Gold Cup.

“The partnership will take us through to the end of the 2020 racing season and continues the fantastic history and commitment that the McGregor family has demonstrated to the Stawell Racing Club over decades,” Percival said. 

Percival said the club is in a good position for the upcoming season and is eager to host more meets than what they have been allocated. 

“We will race 5 times in the next season with all our feature days secure and the club will host its first Wednesday meeting in February as part of a double header race day,” he said.

“With the recent significant investment made in a major track renovation for the coming season the club is hoping to be considered for obtaining a transferred meeting should one become available.

“Twice last season we were able to host race meetings at very late notice and we hope that that success demonstrates to the industry that Stawell is ready and capable should that opportunity arise in the upcoming season.”

Percival said he is appreciative of the support for the club.

“We have always had great support from the community of Stawell and without that support it would be impossible for the club to stage the scale of events that it does.

“The club is extremely excited and looking forward to a great season.”