On the home straight to the cup

SPORTSBET Ballarat Cup Day is approaching at a gallop, with the new summer standalone date of Saturday 9 December.

A 10-race program is set for the track, including the Sportsbet Ballarat Cup with its $500,000 prize money.

“We’re certainly hopeful for good, strong fields, and the prize money is very attractive,” Ballarat Turf Club CEO Belinda Glass said.

“We’ve got a prize pool of over $1.8 million for the day, and significant prize money for the feature Magic Millions races as well.”

The Sportsbet Backwards Running Relay will get some two-legged racers on track at 2pm.

“The $10,000 cash prize for the relay is a really good incentive to get involved,” Ms Glass said.

“People can register on our website to participate or get their relay team nominated to have the chance to be drawn out on the day.”

Off track, the Central Square Ballarat Fashions on the Field competition will invite racegoers to show off their outfits and headwear, and they could win prizes from the shopping centre, Mali Lane, and The Sporting Globe.

Ms Glass said there are some new precincts, including the Koonara Wines platinum and home straight marquees.

There’s also a Brookvale Union Pop-Up Bar, which will be open to everyone in the general admission space, with ginger beer, seltzers, spirits, and soft drink on tap.

“The new date is proving to suit the Christmas party or end-of-year break-up market,” Ms Glass siad.

“It’s a great opportunity to catch up with friends before Christmas and be a part of great country racing here in Ballarat.”

Ms Glass said event set-up in the last couple of weeks has gone well, and even the recent wet weather has been a positive.

“Showers of rain help settle the dust and make everything nice and green again,” she said. “It takes a lot of pressure off our lawn and garden irrigation, and on our track as well.”

General admission tickets are available at ballaratturfclub.com.au, or they can be purchased at the gate on the day for $30.