Public thanked for Cup Day support

ALTHOUGH it was another wet and boggy one, Ballarat Turf Club staff are thanking locals who headed out to Dowling Forest to support the 2023 Sportsbet Ballarat Cup last weekend.

CEO Belinda Glass said about 3600 people attended the standalone Saturday’s 10-race program and saw the Paul Preusker-trained gelding, Captain Envious, win the titular $500,000 race.

“We’re grateful for the support of the Ballarat community who came along as a patron enjoying the social aspect of the day or as contractors supplying to the event,” Ms Glass said.

“We know the cup still has a positive economic impact to our city.

“Obviously weather forecasts impacted the pre-paid general admission sales and the attendance of the general public, and owners on the day was also significantly down.

“We’re disappointed with this result after so much hard work by the whole team and unfortunately there is not much any club can do in those circumstances.

“It’s disappointing that our feature Cup Day has been significantly impacted by wintry conditions for the last two years as we came out of COVID-impacted events in 2020 and 2021.”

As part of a Spring Racing Carnival review earlier this year, the Ballarat Cup was moved from its previously set date of Saturday, 25 November to Saturday 9 December, two weeks later.

“Who would have predicted clouds, rain, and wintry conditions when the cup date moved to a summer timeslot in December?” Ms Glass said.

“Let’s hope that in 2024 we can enjoy some sunshine and regular crowds on Cup Day.”

The day’s programming also included a Fashions on the Field competition.

Compared to the 3600 people this year, there were 6000 attendees in 2022, with 5000 of those walking in with pre-paid tickets. Last year’s race day was also wet, with 40 millimetres of rain falling.

The 2019 Ballarat Cup event in 2019, before the pandemic, saw 8000 attendees and regular conditions.