Organisers thrilled with Bellarine Cup crowd

SCORES of punters have flocked to Geelong Racecourse for its final meeting of summer, while supporting a local sports club that will collect the proceeds.

Geelong Racing Club (GRC) hosted a successful running of Bellarine Cup to end its season – an event geared towards Peninsula people and businesses.

Batman Management Group is a major sponsor of the raceday, which doubles as a fundraiser for Bellarine community organisations.

This year’s proceeds recipient was Portarlington Football Netball Club, which is in line for a $20,000-$25,000 boost following the day.

Batman group chief Bill Votsaris said the benefit was well supported by racegoers.

“It was fully catered, fully booked for the capacity it was allowed to have. The outer grounds had good support because it was a family day,” he said.

“It was well attended, it was well supported by the community and for all intents and purposes a great day out.”

GRC chief Luke Rayner said the club was still finalising official attendance figures for the day but was pleased with the turnout and community support from the whole of its summer season.

“The Bellarine Cup is a great event for the club to support in trying to help attract businesses, individuals and families from the Bellarine Peninsula,” he said. “COVID has impacted overall attendance throughout January with the uncertainty of omicron, it being more present in the community and the reintroduction of density rules.

“The major function still attracted a capacity of 160 people in our Silks Dining Room.

“December was a fantastic month for the club with four successful race meetings held, more certainty around COVID and less restrictions plus favourable weather, whilst three January race meetings were all impacted in some way, however we still had steady attendance and public interest.”

On the track, Dane Smith-trained Magnolia Rose saluted in the main race, ahead of Just Cainme Archie, Laybuy and Bottom Line.

Geelong Racing Club’s next meeting is its St Patrick’s Day meeting on March 19, followed by another raceday on March 22.

The track is currently undergoing its annual renovation to ensure it’s in top condition for its next racing season.