Strong field set for Ballarat Cup

THE Sportsbet Ballarat Cup is back this Saturday, 19 November at the Ballarat Turf Club with a ten-race program.

With a field of 145 entries, and a total prize pool of $1.8 million across the day, Ballarat Turf Club CEO Belinda Glass said the cup itself, race eight, is worth $500,000 for the winner.

“There’s quite good fielding in each race, and it’s looking to be a strong Ballarat Cup with a couple of local contenders, and Matt Cumani, Andrew Noblet, and Ciaron Maher all having runners in the cup,” she said.

Other feature events part of program include the Magic Millions races, the two-year-old race over 1000 metres, and the three-and-four year old race run over 1100 metres.

“The Sportsbet Reverse Running Race is unique and carries a $10,000 prize pool,” Ms Glass said.

“There will be an opportunity for people to register for the foot race, which is run backwards on the course proper just after 2pm.

“Just prior, we’ll do a random draw and 24 people will be selected to participate. It’s always fun, there’s usually a few mates up against each other, and often a backwards somersault or crazy antic thrown in along the way.”

While there won’t be a traditional Fashions on the Field event, there will be a chance for the day’s fashionistas to strut their stuff for a big prize.

“People can put their best frock and fascinator on, or suit, come on out and take a photo in front of our fashion wall on the back lawn, and post it online with the tag #BallaratFashions,” Ms Glass said.

“They can be male, female, a young fashionista, or someone with outstanding headwear as well.”

Ms Glass said the weather is front of mind. On Wednesday morning, the track was assessed as being a heavy eight, but she said it would be upgraded further after milder days later in the week.

“There is rain forecast… and we’re hopeful that any storms will be later in the day, or overnight between Saturday and Sunday,” she said.

Gates open at 11am, with race one at 12.10pm, the Ballarat Cup running at 4.20pm, and the last race at 5.40pm.

General admission tickets are available online, or at the gate. A registration marquee for the backwards race will be on the back lawn. Visit bit.ly/3TJ6y4S for tickets.

Buses will depart Ballarat Station from 10.45am until 12.30pm and Wendouree Station from 11am to 12.30pm.

Wristbands are needed for a return trip in the afternoon, and can be pre-purchased online for $10, or at the track. The return trips run between 4.30pm and 7pm.