Picture: CHARLOTTE VARCOE
THE $3.3m reconstructed Allan Scott Glenburnie Racecourse track has been hailed a winner following the seamless running of the Scott Group of Companies Gold Cup on Friday.
While the circuit was lashed by 43mm of rain leading up to the event, the track – which was completely overhauled – held up during the jam-packed day of provincial racing.
Although patronage was down, the club says the all weather track will usher a new era for the club that has been plagued by uncertainty due to the water-logging of the former botched surface.
Given the track passed its biggest test on Friday, club president John Fartch said the organisation would now work to grow crowd numbers at the December Gold Cup fixture.
“We now have a chance to build numbers moving forward,” Mr Fartch said.
While up to 2600 people attended Friday’s event, he foreshadowed the Gold Cup scheduled in December would draw larger crowds.
Club general manager Brett Watson said the track was “never in doubt” despite the rain.
“The track drained like it was designed to do – it performed exceptionally,” Mr Watson said.
Explaining the track attracted high praise from trainers and jockeys, he said “winners came from everywhere” during Friday’s nine-card race day.
“The track is very promising, it means we can race all year – Friday’s Gold Cup should restore confidence back into the track,” Mr Watson said.
He said the new track could also host other regional meetings if other tracks in the South East became too wet.
Picture: THOMAS MILES
Mr Watson thanked the patrons who attended Friday’s Gold Cup.
“From all reports, everyone enjoyed the day – there was no negativity. Hopefully, people will support the Gold Cup in December,” he said.
Veteran Mount Gambier trainer Michael O’Leary said the track performed beautifully with a string of regional trainers taking out wins on the new surface.
While he initially had concerns about running his starter in the last race, he said he walked the track before the race and was impressed.
He revealed he was considering scratching his horse in the last race if the track worsened.
“But the track did not and my horse won the race,” Mr O’Leary said.
Importantly, he said the new track would inject confidence into the industry and regional trainers.
He said this renewed confidence was vital for the industry moving forward given it relied on a reliable training facility and local race meetings.
“The Glenburnie Racecourse was rated the best wet weather track in Australia, but then it became the worst after it was redeveloped,” Mr O’Leary revealed.
He said the new multi-million dollar reconstruction had now returned the circuit to an all-weather track.
Another highlight of the Gold Cup was the staging of the Fashions on the Field, which resulted in a number of beautifully dressed ladies, stylish men and couples vie for prizes.
Warrnambool entrant Jasmin Fitzgerald won the women’s fashion on the field with a black and white ensemble, while runner-up Jenny Beard stood out in an eye-catching purple outfit.
The best millinery was awarded to entrant Sharon Wilson, while best shoes was given to Bridget Aldridge.
The male winner Chris Gill – who wore an outfit from New Zealand – and runner-up was Mount Gambier’s Matthew Bueti who is well known for his cutting edge style.
Matthew, along with Brianna McBain, also won the best dressed couple.
