Terang Cup boasts successful return

CROWDS flocked through the turnstiles over the weekend to enjoy a day of racing at the Terang Cup.

By Support Team

Bring it home: Racegoers were eager to see the action as the horses thundered over the line.

CROWDS flocked through the turnstiles over the weekend to enjoy a day of racing at the Terang Cup.

Terang and District Racing Club president Wayne Johnstone said the day could not have gone any better.

“The weather was really good, we had really strong racing, owners and trainers from all over the state competed and we had a good crowd,” he said.

“The day went off without a hitch.”

Mr Johnstone said the Sunday brought a welcome return for the event after last year running in a limited capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“We had a little reprieve last year, racing with a limited crowd despite COVID-19 protocols,” he said.

“This year was a really non-COVID event, terrific to be back and everyone could mix and mingle; which is what the Terang Cup is.

“It’s a very social race meeting, with many of the patrons coming from around the local area to have a great day.”

The club took a different approach to Fashions on the Field this year, with the categories of best dressed racegoer and best dressed local racegoer introduced.

Noorat’s Monica Heffernan took home best dressed local racegoer and Horsham’s Melanie Wade was named best dressed racegoer.

“It was hotly contested, with Monica Heffernan and Melanie Wade both very well dressed for the day,” Mr Johnstone said.

Tom Dabernig trained Angel Rock stormed home to win the Terang Cup, with Aaron Purcell-trained Constantinople finishing second and Simon Zahra’s Rudimental crossing in third.

“What was most exciting in this year’s race, for me, was how close all the races were,” Mr Johnstone said.

“The Terang Cup was won by Tom Dabernig, who is new to the area and from a real racing family.

“He’s just moved to Warrnambool so it was great to have a local winner for the cup.”

Mr Johnstone thanked the community, event sponsors and the efforts of staff for their support and enthusiasm for the event.

“Sungold have been enormous for our area, sponsoring lots of sporting events including our race meeting, so they’ve been tremendous for the whole area and continue to be,” he said.

“We look forward to their sponsorship next year and thanks to all the sponsors on the day.

“It was a terrific day with trainers from leading stables from across the state, so it was a highly competitive day.

“It’s a testament to the track, which was in great condition and raced as well as it’s ever raced so congratulations to our staff and to our committee.”