2024 Ladbrokes Geelong Cup launched

THE 2024 Ladbrokes Geelong Cup will hit the track next month, with the event officially launched last night (September 11), at the Bellarine Peninsula’s Yes Bar.

Around 50 people gathered at the event to promote the Geelong Racing Club’s (GRC) biggest race day of the year on October 23.

Guests were welcomed by GRC president Peter Murrihy, while Tom King was MC for the evening.

GRC chief executive officer Luke Rayner said the launch was generally held six weeks out from the cup and created some excitement around the event.

“It’s an opportunity for us to recognise our partners associated with the Geelong Cup, whether they be precinct partners or race name partners.”

At the launch, Mr King interviewed GRC track manager Jimmy Dalton, who gave guests a rundown about the preparation and getting the track ready for the big event.

“Geelong Cup is his [Dalton’s] grand final day in regards to preparation, a lot of time and effort and thought goes into the preparation of the track,” Mr Rayner said.

OTI general manager Shane Driscoll was also interviewed – their horse Amade won the 2023 Geelong Cup and is looking to defend the title this year.

“The Geelong Racing Club has never had back-to-back Geelong Cup winners,” Mr Rayner said.

“Amade is a unique horse in that it won the cup last year at 10 years old and will be racing again this year at 11 years old.”

For more information and tickets to the 2024 Ladbrokes Geelong Cup, head to country.racing.com/geelong/calendar/geelong-cup