By Justin Robertson
CRANBOURNE Turf Club hosted an additional meet last Sunday, as the Yarra Valley race track continued its run of bad luck brought about by torrential rain.
Originally a Yarra Glen meet, it was decided by the Yarra Valley Racing Club that Cranbourne racecourse would play host instead.
Cranbourne’s 1800 punters emptied their pockets in true Australian spirit and raised $18,436.50 for Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal.
The Yarra Valley Racecourse has been flooded for the third time in three months and Cranbourne will now host the Yarra Valley Cup in March.
It’s the second time in six months and Cranbourne’s chief executive, Neil Bainbridge said, it’s a boost for the racing track and club.
“It’s a really disappointing situation for Yarra Valley, they’ve had a really tough year with floods and now drainage concerns with the track,” he said. “Although we much prefer Yarra Valley not be in this position, it’s a great compliment to the club to be able to hold extra meetings and two Yarra Valley Cups.”
Last Sunday’s meet at Cranbourne was dotted with tin rattlers and sausage sizzles in an effort to raise money for the Queensland Flood appeal. Gate receipts, soft drink sales and donations from major sponsors also contributed to final tally.
“It’s a fantastic effort for one of racing,” Bainbridge said. “We planned this for the Queensland flood appeals a couple a weeks ago, so what we’ve decided to do for the Victorian floods, through our gaming venue, is donate $4000 to the Red Cross Flood appeal as well.”
Bainbridge also paid tribute to the high calibre of jockeys at Cranbourne, citing Glen Boss as being of the top three jockeys in the business.
Bainbridge will now turn his attention to planning the Yarra Valley Cup, less than two months away, and said it will be a massive boon for local trainers and riders.
