Giddy up for Bendigo Cup

ONE of the region’s marquee events of the year is almost upon us with the $500,000 Bendigo Cup 2024 ready to burst from the gates on Wednesday 30 October.

It’s the biggest day on the calendar for the local thoroughbred industry, which generates about $84 million for the Bendigo economy annually and provides employment for 640 full-time equivalent positions.

Apart from the racing, the Cup will include the traditional Fashions On The Field competition, with prizes and bragging rights available to Best Dressed, Best Dressed Local and Best Millinery.

New Bendigo Jockey Club CEO Paul Scullie, who’ll be helming his first Cup Day since being appointed in February, said preparations have been “huge”.

“So much goes into ensuring that it’s a successful event, that it’s safe, that it’s enjoyable,” he said.

“We’ll be expecting over 6000 people on course, and it’s really about the health and wellbeing of everyone to come along and enjoy each other’s company, have a day out, dress up and look amazing.

“I think that’s the excitement that the Cup brings when you see the amount of people down on the lawn area coming together, enjoying good food, good local wines. It’s the perfect scenario, really.”

Mr Scullie said it’s the one day where many people from the community come to their “one race meet for the year”. “We want to show them not only what a great facility that we have, but obviously the quality of the entertainment, the quality of the people and the vibe around the place as well,” he said.

If you need transport, there’ll be shuttle buses departing Bendigo Train Station every half hour between 10.30am and 1pm, plus return buses into town from 4.30pm to 7.15pm.

Information on tickets can be found on the Country Racing website.