Community
29 November, 2024
Cup launch draws good crowd
THE Camperdown Turf Club hosted a Camperdown Cup launch event last week, with the cup on show while three guest speakers shared their sporting journeys.
The launch event was held last Friday evening, with 70 people sharing in drinks, nibbles and conversation among like-minded people.
Attendees were able to view the 2025 Camperdown Cup alongside in-house live music at Excuse Me Katie’s and an opportunity to meet with Paris Olympians Grace Brown and Penny Smith, and Warrnambool horse trainer Maddie Raymond.
Camperdown Turf Club vice president Rose Henry said last Friday’s launch event was the first for a number of years.
“Years ago, they used to have a pre-cup party at the course on the Friday night before the cup, and it hasn’t happened for years now,” she said.
“We knew Grace was going to be coming to the town at some point, so the date was worked around Grace’s schedule – we knew we wanted Penny as well.
“We were also looking at someone like Maddie to link in the racing side of things.
“We thought why not have an intimate evening and acknowledge women in sport, show the cup off and just have people have a nice night – there’s people here of all different ages and of all different interests.”
A question and answer session was held with the guest speakers Mrs Brown, Ms Smith and Ms Raymond, which was emceed by Mary Alexander.
Mrs Brown spoke on her cycling career and her experience at the Paris Olympics, Ms Smith talked about her journey to the Olympics and her shooting career, and Ms Raymond spoke about horse training and the daily life of a horse trainer.
The guest speakers were then presented with gift bags from the Turf Club.
Ms Henry said the launch event was “really good.”
“People were really enjoying themselves and engaging,” she said.
“It’s something different for the town too – it’s a nice social evening for Camperdown.
“I’d like to thank the three guest speakers and Mary Alexander, and the committee as well.
“We’re looking forward to people supporting us at the Camperdown Cup.”
The Camperdown Cup will run on the third Saturday in January (January 18).
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