Giddy up, it’s time for the Cup!

AFTER three years of running without spectators, the Apiam Bendigo Cup is under starters orders and ready to jump with a full crowd in attendance.

Set for the Bendigo Jockey Club on Wednesday, 26 October, acting CEO Sue Opie said the course was looking spectacular.

“Everything is looking fantastic,” she said. “We suffered a bit of damage to our lawns, so we have had to relocate some areas.

“But we’re a bit excited because it brings everyone up a bit closer together and I think there’s going to be a great party atmosphere.

“It’s been three long years running a cup with no people and it was very eerie. We’re pretty excited and we think we’re going to have a great day.”

With a nine-race card, the 2400-metre Bendigo Cup is the last chance to qualify for the Melbourne Cup.

“The track has held up beautifully after all this heavy rain,” Ms Opie said. “Fingers crossed that rain we’re expecting for the rest of the week is nowhere near as bad as what it was.

“We think the track will hold up very well but most likely be a heavy track.”

Along with the action on track, Ms Opie said there was a range of activities to keep the experienced punter, and first-time race goer, entertained all day.

“We have bands playing, entertainment, and fashions on the field,” she said.

“I know the girls from fashions on the field are keen to get back on course from all the emails I’ve been getting.”

Ms Opie said that while most hospitality packages were selling fast, there were always tickets at the gate.

“We’re almost booked out with all the packages, but we’ll have plenty of general admissions tickets on the day,” she said.

“If you’ve never been to the Bendigo Jockey Club before you’re in for a beautiful experience. It’s the most picturesque racecourse, I believe, in Australia.”

The Apiam Bendigo Cup is set for Wednesday, 26 October at the Bendigo Jockey Club with gates open from 10.30am.

The day is a gazetted public holiday in the City of Greater Bendigo for all areas west of the Campaspe River.