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RACEGOERS have started pouring into Bendigo for today’s Jayco Bendigo Cup meeting.
With the big race still hours away, the gates have opened at the Bendigo Jockey Club, with plenty of people taking up a spot on the lawns.
Many have travelled to Bendigo by train and are making their way to the racecourse on free shuttle buses.
David Fox, from Taylors Lakes in Melbourne’s north-west suburbs, was on-board the 7.42am train from Melbourne, with a group of workmates from Qantas.
It is the group’s first trip to Bendigo for the cup.
“We’ve been going to the Ballarat Cup for a few years, so we thought we’d try Bendigo this year,” Mr Fox said.
“We hear it’s a great day. The carriage we were in was pretty full.
“We’re staying the night at the Shamrock Hotel – hopefully the town’s buzzing with a bit of country hospitality.”
Mr Fox believed the Gai Waterhouse-trained Order of the Sun would be hardest to beat in the $250,000 Cup.
He nominated Bendigo-trained mare Hai Lil, from the Allen Browell stable, as his bet of the day in race nine.
The train trip from Melbourne served a dual purpose for Ringwood man Justin McArthur.
He is here for the races and to catch up with his father Frank, who has recently taken over the management of the Hibernian Hotel in Golden Square.
“We are in the CUB marquee for the day,” Mr McArthur said.
“I”’ve been to three of the past four.’
“I got the cup winner the first time – Banana man – but I don’t think I’ve got one since.”
“It was a bit overcast in Melbourne, but Bendigo has really pulled out the good weather today."
The forecast remains for a sunny day, with a maximum temperature of 24 degrees.
Buses are running from Bendigo station from 10.30am through to 1pm today.
Return services will leave the course from 3.30pm every 15 minutes until 6.30pm.
Castlemaine’s Shankar and Terry Attwood were among a small band of passengers on the first bus to depart shortly after 10.30am.
The pair have a low-key day planned.
“I’m just catching up with a mate for the day and putting a few bets on,” Shankar said.
“We’ll be taking it easy.
“It’s my first time to the Bendigo Cup. I’ve been to plenty of races, including plenty of Kyneton Cups, but not the Bendigo Cup.”
Mr Attwood offered Choice Princess as his bet of the day in race four.
Bus driver Terry Wylie, from Christian’s Bus Company, was prepared for a big day.
“It will be a huge day for the buses and Bendigo in general,” Mr Wylie said.
“People are generally well behaved on cup day – it might be a bit different today, a bit warmer, but they are generally well behaved.
“For the $2 fare, you can’t get a better ride to the cup.”
Bendigo Police have warned that they will be out in force today.
Acting Sergeant Peter Dyer urged those going to the races to consider public transport options, including free shuttle buses and taxis.
“If you are going to the races in a motor vehicle the chances will be very high you will be breath-tested,” Acting Sergeant Dyer said.
“My advice is that if you even have to think about the (BAC) limit, you shouldn’t be driving.”