General News
21 January, 2022
Thousands turn out for Camperdown Cup
CAMPERDOWN Cup officials have hailed another successful staging of the event.
CAMPERDOWN Cup officials have hailed another successful staging of the event.
More than 1500 race-goers hit the Camperdown Turf Club on Saturday to witness the Archie Alexander-trainer Swiss Hero win the $50,000 feature event.
While the current COVID climate forced cancellations right up to the start of the event, club president Gerard Ryan was delighted with the crowd’s final number.
“The gate was 1683 which we thought was quite good considering the COVID period,” he said.
“We were pleased with a very well behaved crowd. By all reports everyone enjoyed themselves and had a great time.
“Thank you to the committee and staff for putting together another great community race day.
“Congratulations to the connections of Swiss Hero on winning the Sungold Milk Camperdown Cup, trained by Archie Alexander and ridden by Declan Bates.”
While the COVID situation may have deterred some punters, others enjoyed a day out with their family and friends under blue skies.
Activities were aplenty off-the-track, with the famed Fashions of the Field returned for the first time in two years, with officials delighted with both the men’s and women’s section of the event.
Hosted by Country Racing Victoria vice chair Victoria Armstrong, a boisterous crowd cheered on 10 men in what one official said was the best men’s comp the club has staged.
Melbourne’s Stephen Lacy was declared the overall winner.
Fourteen women contested the women’s section was with Pascoe Vale’s Renee McManus crowned the winner and local Jess Rowbottom finishing runner-up.
Live music also kept patrons entertained, while both the kid’s play area and community marquee was a hive of activity throughout the day.
On track, the action was hotly contested, with group one jockey Declan Bates starring with four winners including the cup.
His victories include Swiss Hero, Strately Star (race three), Red Muscat (race four) and Double Delight (race five).
“Declan rode a total of four winners of the day and also won the Neville ‘Nifty’ Wilson Jockey Challenge,” Mr Ryan said.
“Congratulations Declan.”
