The 15-person Port Macquarie Hotel Motel syndicate locked in the Gayna Williams Bathurst-trained gelding as their choice of runner.

The horse will now take a place in the Kosciuszko 1200 metre race for country-trained horses at Randwick on October 19.

Syndicate members are hoping the four-year-old gelding claims victory for their chance to share a portion of the $1.3 million prize pool.

Syndicate rep and Port Macquarie Hotel second-in-charge Gavin Hucker said the team is hoping for a win on race day in October.

The syndicate was selected as one of 14 slot holders for the main race after winning The Kosciuszko Sweep Promotion competition.

"Originally we had a punters challenge every Sunday for seven weeks and it grew from there. Kosciuszko tickets were distributed, we got a slot and were one of the two remaining spots to pick a horse," he said.

"We all put our suggestions into a pool and did a secret ballot to find one. I've negotiated with the trainers to strike the best deal.

"I watched the race last year and backed our local horse last year on a long shot, which ran second. It's an opportunity to rub shoulders with the country racers and it will be a big day hopefully.

"If COVID allows, some of us are hoping to go and cheer on the horse on the day. Some have said they don't want to go but will attend a Kosciuszko party here in Port Macquarie."

But El Mo has not always had things go his way, Williams told the Western Advocate.

Last year, El Mo wound up as the first emergency for the The Kosciuszko, while a foot abscess ruled him out of this year's Central Districts Country Championships.

He had missed the same Country Championships series in 2019 after a freak eye injury.

Had El Mo enjoyed better luck his career record of five wins and six minor placings from 15 starts could have been much better.

Still, Williams always felt that the Uncle Mo x My Cookie Monster gelding was up to the standard of the The Kosciuszko and she was delighted when the Port Macquarie syndicate agreed.

The trainer said she is most pleased for El Mo's owner June Baker.

Syndicate member and Port Macquarie resident Erin Dasczik said she has a long running interest in horse racing and usually watches the Kosciuszko each year.

"I've been coming here (to the hotel) for about six years," she said.

"I've grown up around horses and always watch the Kosciuszko, my dad is a mad punter. I like the local races and going to the Port Macquarie races.

"I prefer the country races and this is all country horses so it's one of the big days of the year. I reckon country races are better with roughies and I like to back roughies.

"We knew all the people in the syndicate before, we're all the solid locals together for the sports pick every Saturday. I might go down to see the race, it's pretty exciting."

The race is restricted to NSW country and two Canberra race horses each year. It has previously been won by geldings BelFlyer in 2018 and Handle the Truth in 2019, but never by a favourite.

Port Macquarie resident of 53 years, Cecil 'Cec' Wright said the syndicate has been a buzz to be part of.

"I have watched the local races over the years, I don't go anymore because I've gotten too old but I always have a punt," Mr Wright said.

"I think it would be sensational to own a horse. I've had partnerships with people over the years but haven't been in a syndicate in over 30 years.

"We're making a lot of friendships between the 15 of us.

"El Mo is my favourite of the field (and our horse). When we were talking about the horse we want there were disagreements but the syndicate is like one big family."

Syndicate members include Josh Townsend, Erin Dasczik, Cecil Wright, Paul Murray, Dan Grzybowicz, Colin Austin, Joe Mestric, Krystal Turner, Paul Gibson, Colin Purcell, John Cain, Brad Nilson and Gavin Hucker.

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