THERE were plenty of reasons people chose to attend this year’s Ballarat Cup, some for obvious reasons like getting to see racing legend Michelle Payne in person, others to try their luck in the fashion events and, then there were those who found it the perfect excuse to let their hair down.
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But there was no denying Ballarat’s trifecta of Michelle Payne, strapper Stevie Payne and trainer Darren Weir were on everyone’s mind.
For some this year’s Ballarat Cup was a chance to cheer on their heroes, like Anita Bradshaw who traveled from Warnambool to see Weir-trained horses in action.
While she considered herself a ‘Ballarat Cup regular’, Ms Bradshaw said the excitement of Weir and Payne’s recent Melbourne Cup success had added to the thrill of this year’s race meeting.
“Unfortunately we didn’t back him in the Melbourne Cup, but anyway we’re on him today,” she said.
“It’s exciting. He has a lot of horses in the works and is obviously getting bigger and better.”
And as for this year’s Ballarat Cup … she voted it one of her all time favourites.
“It’s still a country meet, but better than that … It’s a city feel, but not as big as Flemington – yet it’s very relaxing.”
For bookmaker Keith Burns, the success of Ballarat trained horse Prince of Penzance was still a big sticking point for many local punters, including some who typically wouldn’t normally place a bet.
“Specially with Michelle on board … I have ladies asking which horse she is riding,” he said.
While Michelle’s riding skills were a big draw card for many, for others she inspired for completely different reasons.
Soon-to-be groom Noel Treacy found inspiration in Michelle’s success to help him get over the line in the popular reverse race.
Unfortunately for him it wasn’t in first place, but struggling to run wearing a wig and dress, it was as good as gold for him.
“I wanted to prove, just like Michelle in the Melbourne Cup, people in dresses can win,” he said.
It was fifth place for Treacy who came from Melbourne to spend his bucks party at the Cup. But he did walk away with $500 which he says he is going to spend on a new dress for next year’s race meeting.
Dubbing the day a success, Ballarat Turf Club CEO Lachlan McKenzie said without a doubt seeing the sibling duo of Michelle and Stevie Payne was one of the day’s highlights for racegoers.
“There was an extraordinary response to Michelle and Stevie Payne, right through the whole crowd,” he said.
“They spent some time taking photos with the public for a gold coin donation and everybody’s paying in notes.The way they made themselves available, for photos, how generous they were, was well beyond the call of duty.”
