A golden day of racing

MORE than 3500 racegoers were at a sun-kissed track last Saturday as Bendigo Jockey Club ran another Golden Mile Raceday.

BJC chief executive officer Paul Scullie said exceptional race fields and near-perfect weather capped one of the club’s biggest meetings of the year.

“The calibre of the races of was of high quality,” Scullie said of the city-class meet being run in the country.

“To attract such a large number of horses, and high quality fields, supports the argument that Apiam Bendigo provides some of the best facilities for feature race days.

“I am incredibly proud to lead a team that successfully delivered this important race day on the Bendigo Jockey Club calendar.”

Golden Mile Raceday drew many families, club members, owners, corporate partners, and racing enthusiasts.

There was plenty happening on and off the track.

Racegoers had a chance to pan for gold through the support of Agnico Eagle Fosterville Mine and Bendigo Heritage Attractions.

BJC chairman Jack Lyons said trainers and participants commented throughout the day Apiam Bendigo should have more Saturday feature race day opportunities.

“We look forward to building on the success of this day for many years to come,” Lyons said.

Bendigo trainers were to the fore across the card.

The Toby Lake-trained Linkvue was runner-up in the Apiam Animal Health VOBIS Gold Rush behind the highly touted and short-priced favourite Bold Bastille ($1.10 fav.).

Given the Paris:Impressions of Life 1880 exhibition on show at Bendigo Art Gallery it was apt Bold Bastille would charge to victory.

Bold Bastille is trained by Ben, Will and J.D. Hayes and was ridden by Luke Currie.

Linkvue was ridden by Harry Coffey from Swan Hill.

Another high for Bendigo was the third placing by the Brent Stanley-trained Celui in the Balgownie Estate Bendigo 3YO handicap (1100m).

The Arthur Pace-trained Colsridge put in a brilliant finish to almost catch Senegalia in the Off The Track BM84 Handicap (1100m).

The bet365 Golden Mile (1600m) was won by the Robbie Laing-trained El Soleado as former Bendigo-based galloper Just Folk was third.