IT wasn’t so much the fact that the Kilmore Cup was won by Regal Zeus on Sunday, more so the fact of the matter in how it was won in front of a big crowd at Kilmore Racecourse.
Regal Zeus led from start to finish in a Cup field that was decimated from 14 runners to five thanks to overnight and morning rain that rendered the track a Soft 7.
However, none of that phased Regal Zeus, who dominated the entire race from start to finish.
Regal Zeus jumped smartly and established a solid five-length lead throughout the back straight, with the chasing field electing to stay back and hope the $3.30 chance would not be able to hit its stride.
Save for a brief challenge rounding the turn from El Rocko, this wouldn’t be the case.
Instead, a dominant ride from Daniel Stackhouse ensured it would be his day for trainer John McArdle, and the five-year-old gelding finished full of running to score victory by eight lengths.
Verdad was second from the inside rail, while the highly fancied Farhh Flung finished third.
It was a day to remember throughout the Cup program, with plenty of great races on the card delighting spectators.
The opening race saw drifting favourite Pavlich make a mockery of the punters’ tips by scoring victory, with Mystic Rapture second and Princess Sakiko third.
Admire Ace took out the second race for Ciaran Maher, winning by three quarters of a length from Our Swan Song and Hirarkee.
Real Alliance was the winner of race three, with Itsukushima second and Amber Star sitting back in third.
Race four provided one of the upsets of the day, with Arabella Star taking out the race by half a length as a $9 outsider, with Taupe second and Apres in third.
Race five showed it was again a day for the short-priced horses, with favourite Tan Tat Delight saluting for Chris Waller from Cardamom and Commandeur.
Declan Bates took victory aboard Attachments in race six, winning from Cameron Falls and Mr Assertive.
Aiming was the highest-priced winner of the day in the seventh race, the $9.50 hope taking the win from Swift Circle and Savamoon in the closest race of the day, decided by half a head.
The final race saw Jamie Mott win on Winston, with Bon Fete second and Navy Heart in third.
While the racing was a high-quality outing, spectators were also delighted by plenty of off-track activations.
Fashions on the Field was moved to an earlier time due to uncertainty around the weather, but there were plenty of entrants who dazzled on the catwalk.
Off-track musical entertainment was provided by Off The Record, while ARIA Award-winning Joanne would electrify The Marquee after the races finished.