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The Carlton Draught Murray Bridge Gold Cup attracted a record number of 3000 fans to the Thomas Farms Racecourse.

 It's the biggest crowd Gifford Hill has hosted, and the first time the Cup has been held on a Saturday. The day was extra special for Justin Potter, piloting the Wayne Francis and Glen Kent-trained galloper Jack The Lad to victory in the listed Murray Bridge Cup (1600m). He also saluted aboard $201 shot Jaywick– trained and owned by his father Bruce Potter.

"It's right up there, we've had some black type winners but this day is one that I'll never forget," said Potter. "My wife and daughter are here - Lucy and Katrina. They said they'd go before the Cup but I see them in the crowd."

As for how the 46 year old celebrated the double.

"I rode 54 now I got 56 tomorrow, so we'll have a good BBQ and a couple of stiff rums and we'll be seeing you again tomorrow."

Richard and Chantelle Jolly in combination with Jake Toeroek claimed the inaugural Moorundi Classic when Karavas scored a narrow victory in the first 2YO race of the season.

The success of the Cup followed on from the official opening of the 164 new state-of-the-art stables at Murray Bridge. Katrine Hildyard MP, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing formally unveiled the $13 million project which includes an equine pool and walker. 

"Can I first of all say thank you to the many hardworking people here at the Murray Bridge Racing Club, the staff at Racing SA, all of the builders, contractors, designers, and also this local community for their work to bring this vision to life," said Minister Hildyard.

"It's been a journey of six or seven years, and it is absolutely magnificent. It was a joy to officially open it today, and to chat with trainers and to hear about how great this facility is or them, for their horses, and what a difference it's going to make for racing here at Murray Bridge, and also for Racing in our whole state," she said.