Mildura Cup rearing to go

THE bet365 Mildura Cup is ready to host the masses of race goers for one of the major events of the racing season.

Mildura Racing Club manager Jamie Lanyon said the cup will be a great weekend.

“Bookings are better than last year which is always a positive,” he said.

“The weather looks like it’s going to be in our favour so now we’re excited to get it going on Friday.

“We’ve got an eight race program. The first race is at one o’clock and the last at 4.30pm.

“We’ve got representatives from South Australia, Bendigo, Ballarat, Swan Hill and a few other places around Victoria. So it’s always a pleasure to have everyone coming to Mildura.

The Mildura Cup has become a staple of racing for its more palatable climate and Mr Lanyon said it has made Mildura a winter destination.

“Mildura has always been known as a winter destination for winter racing,” he said.

“Last year’s cup winning horse was Jimmy the Bear. He started out here.

“We like to think the Mildura Cup is a bit of a stepping stone for horses progressing up through the ranks.

All the beloved family features like jumping castles and pony rides are ready to go.

The carnival will also host three marquees and Mr Lanyon said one of them is part of their of their support for the Mildura Base Hospital’s fundraising.

“There’s three marquees. The Bet365 Winning Post Marquee sold out about a week ago,” he said.

“We’ve got the beer and wine marquee which is the $140 Relax Good Fun marquee. And for the third marquee is for the Mildura Base Public Hospital Foundations. They’re raising money for a new screening bus.

“So they’ve got the marquee on Friday and Saturday. It’s a gold coin donation. Everyone’s welcome to put $2 in the tin at the front gate and that goes towards the foundation as well.

“The fact that we have a nice day forecast, school holidays, we’ve got free activities for the kids on both days, jumping castles, pony rides, face painting, I think we should have a good turnout.”