Advertisment

Sport

18 October, 2024

Grand return for Avoca Cup as races set to rock

Avoca’s most prestigious day on the calendar returns for 2024 tomorrow afternoon.

By Michael Thompson

This year's edition of the Blue Pyrenees Estate Avoca Cup is ready to be unleashed, with plenty of on and off-track action to satisfy patrons — all of whom will be welcomed to the track by Avoca Shire Turf Club president Wayne Lawes tomorrow.
This year's edition of the Blue Pyrenees Estate Avoca Cup is ready to be unleashed, with plenty of on and off-track action to satisfy patrons — all of whom will be welcomed to the track by Avoca Shire Turf Club president Wayne Lawes tomorrow.
You can purchase photos on our photo purchase page. Use the reference code:

The Blue Pyrenees Estate Avoca Cup makes its welcome return, with plenty of new activations, a thrilling eight-race card with plenty for everyone, and good conditions expected on the day.

As of print deadline, the full fields have not been settled as of yet, but the eight-race card will include three maiden plates, three benchmark races, and the seventh race of the day as the Avoca Cup.

Although heavy rain is forecast today, it will be expected to clear by Saturday morning, and a mostly fine forecast of 21 degrees is on offer, providing plenty of respite to racegoers.

Avoca Shire Turf Club president Wayne Lawes is looking forward to welcoming back patrons to the track.

“We’re really excited to welcome back patrons to the track again,” he said.

“It’s the second year back now, from the three-year absence of racing, so we’re hoping to build on last year’s crowd.

“The track and the facilities look magnificent, so credit goes to ‘Yogi’ Brennan, our track manager and Kate Kirkpatrick, our club manager, who has done a lot of hard work.”

Lawes says the track is in good condition for raceday.

“At this stage, I think the track is in fantastic condition, and is currently a good 4 rating,” he said.

“It might change if we get some forecast rain, but it should be really good regardless, it’s lush and green and it has a bit of give in it.

“The trainers and jockeys will be really pleased with the racing surface.”

Lawes added that nominations for the fields were incredibly strong.

“Nominations earlier in the week were really strong, so the eight-race card we should have full fields for, and it should be an exciting day of racing with quality fields in each of the races,” he said.

Club manager Kirkpatrick says ticket sales has been very encouraging, and is expecting a crowd of 4000 people on Saturday.

“We know the economy is not great at the moment, but I’m really happy with the packages we have, the support and the general admission tickets that have been purchased in the lead-up. We’re hoping to see a crowd of about 4000 on race day,” she said.

“We are trying to encourage people to pre-book for $25 to enjoy the day out. We’ll have live entertainment, the races kicking off from 1 pm, free entry for kids, lots of food trucks on site, and hopefully everyone will come out and support the community and the club”

Buses will be provided from Avoca, Moonambel, Amphitheatre, Ballarat and Maryborough, with bookings essential.

“We’ve been fortunate enough to have funding through the State Government to be able to provide buses well below cost price, so we’re hoping people take advantage of the $10 ticket or free if they’re in Avoca to get to and from the races safely, without worrying about driving home at the end of the day,” Kirkpatrick said.

Prior to race day, the club will be hosting the Avoca Cup Eve Calcutta tonight, with tickets on offer for just $10, while the special guest speaker will be Peter George from the Devonport Racing Club.

Kirkpatrick says it’s a testament to the club to able to obtain support from racing clubs across Australia and the respect from high-ranking racing figures such as George.

“He’s flying across from Tasmania, and we’re fortunate to have Peter and his wife coming to join us. We’re looking forward to hearing his story, and that’s just $10, for anyone to come out, meet the committee, and there’s a food truck on site there to purchase dinner as well,” she said.

There is expected to be plenty on offer for patrons outside of the racing on the day, with live music and Fashions on the Field making its return, with the local winner of the day, Lady and Gent of the day, couple of the day, most creative outfit and Millinery of the day among the categories racegoers can compete for.

According to Kirkpatrick, the return of Kelly Sports for the kids and also new food trucks will also provide plenty of excitement.

“Everyone seems to like the status quo, so we locked in the Untapped Duo from Ballarat and the Double Agents from Ararat (again),” she said.

“We have Kelly Sports on site, who we haven’t had for a couple of years, with a few new activations to keep the kids entertained, the giant slides, a few new food trucks and new judges for Fashions on the Field, so people come to expect a day at the races anyway and love that tradition and consistency, but we also love to put something new in each year as well.”

Kirkpatrick was grateful for the support of many for getting the Avoca Cup back up and running for another year.

“We’re grateful to all the owners and trainers and supporters of country clubs that come out and support the cups that happen once a year, and all of our sponsors, who make it possible,” she said.

“Everyone works really hard, we have a great support from not just the committee, but people who show up for a week and volunteer their time. Without it, we wouldn’t put on such a day.”

Advertisment

Most Popular