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BALLARAT'S first stand-alone Saturday Cup had a metro race day feel about it with all the country trimmings.
Hens and Bucks parties, men dressed as women and kind weather created a carnival atmosphere at the Ballarat Turf Club on Saturday, where it was estimated 10,000 people poured through the gates.
Carolyn and Graeme Britt, from Dunnstown, hadn't been to the Ballarat Cup for 15 years, but said the shift to a Saturday twisted their arms somewhat.
"It was the best idea (coming to the cup) - look how many people are here," Ms Britt said.
Melbournite Malcolm Mann said the race had a more intimate feel than metro meets, but was impressed with the quality of the field.
"It's great, the atmosphere is fantastic," he said.
Ballarat Cup first-timers Joanne and Caroline LeGet, from Melbourne, said the day had a "lovely feel about it".
The pair travelled down on the train and said it was packed with racegoers heading to Ballarat.
Katie Tucker hobbled around the Ballarat Turf Club on crutches after having surgery last week, but said she "had to go" to the cup.
Despite a few wobbly legs, the six o'clock swill proved more of a dribble, with police commending the behaviour of the crowd.
Sergeant Kori Fraser said two arrests were made, one of which was for drunken behaviour, and three people were ejected.
Sergeant Fraser said aside from a couple of lost children, who were quickly returned to their families, and a handful of lost property, it was a relatively quiet day at the cup for officers.
Yelps echoed around the indoor betting area late-afternoon as a Quaddie-winning group collected $1000 after Mujadale stormed home to win the Ballarat Cup.
Billy Curry, from Melbourne, couldn't wipe the smile off his face as flashed the pineapples to anyone who would look.
"A few long shots certainly helped," said Mr Douglas, who shared the spoils with six of his mates.
Punting veteran Colin Douglas from Warrnambool had a day out, coyly suggesting he won "a few hundred".
Bookies reported a better than average day, with plenty of notes changing hands.
Bookmaker Brian Mann said it had been a successful meet and was a credit to the Ballarat Turf Club.