Cup a hit, now for next year

THE Community Bank Ballan and District Ballan Cup has been run and won, and organisers are already turning their attention to next year’s event.

Hosted by the Ballan Jockey Club as its sole annual meeting, the Cup was held at the Geelong Racecourse last Saturday.

The Cup race itself, over 1518 metres and seventh on an eight-race card, was won by jockey Koby Jennings on Place of Gold, a six-year-old chestnut gelding trained by Clifford Brown, who is based at Mornington.

He is sired by the stallion Turffontein out of the dam Beautiful Pleasure. The Ballan Cup win, in which he started from barrier four, was the fifth of his racing career.

Rogue Rocker placed second, followed by Van Roy in third.

Ballan Jockey Club president Billy Smith said an estimated 2500 people attended the meeting – a result the club was very pleased with.

“It was a bumper crowd; there were fantastic crowd numbers,” he said. “The community really gets behind it, which is great.”

Smith said a new feature this year, a Punters Club Lounge, had proven very popular.

“And all our dining, marquee and hospitality packages were up,” he said.

“Everyone enjoyed a great day with the live entertainment and the children’s activities, as well.”

And as for the weather, Smith described conditions as “a perfect day for racing.”

A Fashions on the Field competition and a community raffle also were on the list of activities.

Smith acknowledged the event’s major sponsor, the Community Bank Ballan and District, for its continued contribution to the meeting.

“We really appreciate their support,” he said.

Smith said the club was already planning for next year’s Cup, which is always held a week after the Melbourne Cup to coincide with Stakes Day.