Torquay Cup raises funds for All Aboard

ANOTHER big crowd gathered at the Geelong Racecourse on Friday last week for the 13th running of the Surf Coast Times Torquay Cup.

The annual race day is one of Torquay’s biggest social occasions and drew a crowd of more than 300 to the Geelong Racing Club’s Briseis Grandstand for lunch, drinks, socialising and the odd flutter.

Geelong Racing Club president Peter Murrihy welcomed the crowd, and noted the Torquay Cup had raised more than $150,000 for 12 different not-for-profit groups over the years.

“It’s a credit to those in the room – I think I say this every year – but Torquay must shut down and put the ‘closed’ sign up, so it’s kudos to everyone here that continues to turn up year after year.”

This year’s Torquay Cup was again a fundraiser for All Aboard disABILTY Support Services, which will primarily put the money towards its project The Junction, “a one stop shop” for disability and support services.

The 2024 event raised an even $10,000 for All Aboard and this year’s event just surpassed it with a total of $10,500.

Shubael, with Jake Noonan on board, won the Champion Blinds Torquay Cup itself – the seventh of eight races on the day – with Diamond War second and Scorched Lane third.