Many had come along to have their photo taken with the majestic cup and to hear from two well-known racing ambassadors about their recollections of Australia’s most recognised race day.
The first, former Racing Victoria chief steward Des Gleeson, who has officiated at more than 30 Melbourne Cups since 1978, is delighted to visit country towns to speak to locals about mutual recollections of past winners of the world-recognised event.
While Joe McGrath, representing Racing Victoria, said it was an honour to speak with locals and hear their stories of the racing industry and to see the smiles on every face as their photograph was taken with the $850,000 cup, which incidentally weighs 3.2kg.
After the gathering at Thompsons Beach on Monday, October 6, the two ambassadors generously paid a visit to Irvin House, Cobram’s Aged Care facility, much to the delight of residents, who lined up eagerly to have a personal photograph taken while holding the stunning solid gold cup.
The visit was particularly meaningful to residents Jan and Geoff Hatty, as Jan is an aunt of star jockey Craig Williams, who rode Vow and Declare, trained by Danny O’Brien, to victory in the 2019 Melbourne Cup.
History may be repeated for Williams in November, after he won the Turnbull Stakes on Saturday with Sir Delius, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and looking to be at its peak.
The ‘never say no’ members of the Cobram Lions Club worked hard to secure the event for the community to enjoy, and all proceeds will go towards a dialysis unit at Cobram Hospital.
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