By Max Davies
The first Seymour Cup in four years went off without a hitch as more than 1800 people flocked to Seymour Racing Club at the weekend to enjoy a day of entertainment.
Despite looming rain, the track remained dry and allowed for close races with both local and visiting trainers and horses competing, while race-goers in the party marquee were entertained by a comedian and a DJ throughout the day.
Connections of Junipal after winning the Bet 365 Seymour Cup at Seymour Racecourse on October 22. Photo: Brett Holburt/Racing Photos
Seymour Racing Club chief executive Chris Martin said it was good to get through the day and enjoy a hometown cup after many years.
“The feedback we’ve had overwhelmingly has been really positive from the corporate side of it and the sit-down luncheon areas,” he said.
“The crowd that was in there were all really positive and the track held up well and raced fairly, there were winners along the fence and winners coming out wide. All in all, it was good to get through the day.”
Taking out the Bet365 Seymour Cup was Junipal, ridden by John Allen, and trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace who also had horses place third and fourth in the race.
Locally-trained Vivanti won the first race of the day, trained by Lee and Shannon Hope and with daughter Tahlia in the saddle.
In race six it was another local winner, with Missed the Mark taking out the victory, trained by Steve Noble with his daughter the jockey.
“It was pretty special in terms of having a couple of locally-trained horses win on the day,” Mr Martin said.
“That peps the crowd up a bit, so that was exciting.”
Seymour Racing Club will again host races on November 17 ahead of the upcoming Christmas Party Race Day on December 21, which has already seen strong interest and multiple bookings.
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Featured image: Junipal, ridden by John Allen, wins the Bet 365 Seymour Cup ahead of Chandon Burj and Ascension. (Photo: Brett Holburt, Racing Photos)
