General News
22 January, 2021
Camperdown Cup returns to rightful home
CAMPERDOWN Turf Club officials have expressed their delight at the return of racing in the township following the successful staging of the Camperdown Cup last Saturday.
CAMPERDOWN Turf Club officials have expressed their delight at the return of racing in the township following the successful staging of the Camperdown Cup last Saturday.
More than 1200 patrons attended the annual race meeting, despite wet and drizzly weather and COVID-19 restrictions, to witness the Matt Cumani-trained ‘Declares War’ win the feature event.
It was the first event back at Camperdown after the club’s 2020 event was shifted to Terang on the eve of the cup meeting after stewards discovered wet sections on the track.
Club president Laurie Hickey said the club was thrilled to have racing back at Camperdown and was delighted with the support of the event given many recent race meetings had been conducted without patrons.
He said 1255 pre-paid tickets were purchased for the meeting, which was the largest crowd at a regional racing venue since spectators returned.
“We were very encouraged that numerous people still came and there was two reasons for that,” Mr Hickey said.
“One being the weather was inclement with drizzly rain throughout the day and two, because of COVID-19, movement around the track was going to be a little more difficult but we were delighted with the result.
“As the patrons were exiting, I was pulling them aside to thank them and on speaking to probably two thirds of the crowd, the indications were they would be back at Camperdown in 2022.”
Mr Hickey said the event differed to previous years, but that mattered little in comparison to ensuring people enjoyed a large social outing following a tough 2020.
“The lack of Fashions on the Field and live music meant it wasn’t a typical Camperdown Cup day but with COVID-19 restrictions we were very fortunate to get as many people through the gates as we did,” he said.
“It was a good opportunity for the community to get back together in a large number which was very well received.
“Looking through the crowd there was a real buzz of excitement and smiling faces on patrons throughout the day.”
