Originally Published May 2 2022
TRAINERS, owners, and industry officials from across the state were triumphant on the track at Alexandra Park Kerang – celebrating the wins from cluBarham Kerang Cup Day in front of one of the largest crowds in recent years.
In the feature race of the day, it was a photo finish, seeing Excelleration, ridden by Thomas Stockdale, take out the cluBarham Kerang Cup for trainer Richard Cully.
In an extremely close finish, Excelleration won the race, with Prince of Helena, trained by Craig Weeding, with Jake Duffy on board, finished a close second.
It was a thrilling race to witness, and race-caller Patrick Doyle didn’t hold back, ensuring those on course and listening from afar were able to experience all the emotion of the race and eventual win (on the line) in a magnificent display of race-calling.
In what was Patrick’s first solo opportunity to call in his bourgeoning career, he certainly performed exceptionally well.
Post-event receiving positive reviews from peers and others across the industry.
Cup Day saw thoroughbred racing fans from the region and beyond enjoy a perfect day trackside.
One racegoer was overheard commenting, “I have never seen the carpark that full in my lifetime and I’ve been coming along for years”.
Kelly Sports was a popular engagement activity for the young children on course, hosting an array of fun events and the Easter bunny was spotted with chocolate Easter eggs across the course, celebrating with the crowd.
Racegoers were certainly eager to start their great-day-out well before the first race of the day. Lengthy gate queues moved swiftly from 11am sharp, as crowds arrived early ready to descend on course and seek out prime positions on the lawns and/or search for shade.
In a nod to community engagement, races throughout the day supported long-term sponsors and industry investors, one paying tribute to former club life member Noel ‘Kojak’ Connelly.
Noel’s family were on course to enjoy Cup Day and reminisce on his significant volunteering investment, of which has positioned the club well to ensure future success in the community long-term.
Whilst the final race of the card was a celebration to remember, with an enormous crowd of family and friends congregating trackside to acknowledge the wonderful life of Geraldine Chirnside. The Chirnside family also being long-standing supporters of the club.
Chairman of stewards Geoff Hausfeld, of Racing Victoria, said the day was a credit to everyone involved.
Natashia Radford, official race-day judge from Racing Victoria, echoing these sentiments.
Natashia, officiating at Kerang Turf Club for the first time, made mention of how well behaved and relaxed the racing crowd was.
The club said overall, it was pleasing to see the “fine behaviour in various areas of the course, from the hustle and bustle of the horse stall precinct through to the mini-marquee and umbrellas scattered across the lawns, down to the car park and bus areas respectively”.
Fashions were relaxed and stylish, with standouts being Krystal Xalfa, wearing an outfit sourced via an op shop spending spree. It was a popular choice with the crowd, and she was overwhelmed with emotion when selected.
Brayden Taylor was in town to participate in the annual tennis tournament, and enjoyed a trip trackside to Alexandra Park, taking home the Gent of the Day award.
Katrina Shelton looked elegant from head to toe, sporting appropriate millinery through to a beautiful, patterned dress – she was stylish and sensibly dressed for a great day out at the country races.
Racing club president Colleen Shay said, “This Cup Day would most certainly be one of, if not the largest the club have hosted in a very long time.”
“The committee and I were thrilled to see so many from the community come out and support the event”.*breakout*
Kick-start event celebrations
THE club kick-started celebrations on Friday evening, collaborating with the Rotary Club of Kerang to cross promote events in the region by sponsoring a category at the popular art show.
In the inaugural year, the club, together with Rotarians, promoted a themed Country Racing Strong category.
The club was impressed with entries, as were others, including key judges.
The club will make purchases in the inaugural year to display on course in a new building precinct – which will be constructed at Alexandra Park ahead of Boxing Day 2022.
The stewards/jockey/raceday secretary precinct is set to be demolished soon to make may for the build.
In a commemorative nod to the past and future, a desk from the building was placed on show for all those in attendance on Cup Day to sign.
The desk will be lacquered and stabilised for display in the new building precinct.
It will be a special moment to see this officially unveiled with the new building later in the year.
Post the success of Cup Day, then a new building investment, to then look forward to further jump out hosting and another featured event on Boxing Day, 2022 is looking set to be a year-to-remember for the Kerang Turf Club.
