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.<\/p>\n
Set for the Bendigo Jockey Club on Wednesday, 26 October, acting CEO Sue Opie said the course was looking spectacular.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything is looking fantastic,\u201d she said. \u201cWe suffered a bit of damage to our lawns, so we have had to relocate some areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we\u2019re a bit excited because it brings everyone up a bit closer together and I think there\u2019s going to be a great party atmosphere.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been three long years running a cup with no people and it was very eerie. We\u2019re pretty excited and we think we\u2019re going to have a great day.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a nine-race card, the 2400-metre Bendigo Cup is the last chance to qualify for the Melbourne Cup.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe track has held up beautifully after all this heavy rain,\u201d Ms Opie said. \u201cFingers crossed that rain we\u2019re expecting for the rest of the week is nowhere near as bad as what it was.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe think the track will hold up very well but most likely be a heavy track.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have bands playing, entertainment, and fashions on the field,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know the girls from fashions on the field are keen to get back on course from all the emails I\u2019ve been getting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Opie said that while most hospitality packages were selling fast, there were always tickets at the gate.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re almost booked out with all the packages, but we\u2019ll have plenty of general admissions tickets on the day,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019ve never been to the Bendigo Jockey Club before you\u2019re in for a beautiful experience. It\u2019s the most picturesque racecourse, I believe, in Australia.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Apiam Bendigo Cup is set for Wednesday, 26 October at the Bendigo Jockey Club with gates open from 10.30am.<\/p>\n
The day is a gazetted public holiday in the City of Greater Bendigo for all areas west of the Campaspe River.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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. \u201cEverything is looking fantastic,\u201d she said. \u201cWe suffered a bit […]<\/p>\n