RELATED: Crime Fighter wins Marong Cup
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THERE was plenty to fun to be had at the Marong Cup on Saturday with a couple of thousand punters turning out to Bendigo Jockey Club for the annual event.
The event, which raises money for Bendigo's eight Catholic schools, saw relaxed crowds entertained by music and family-friendly activities ahead of the main race.
Bendigo Jockey Club operations manager Peter Bull said there were about 2500 people at the event.
"There were plenty of kids. With overcast clouds keeping the sun away for most of the day, it was really great," he said.
"And the bonus was that of the seven races, four of them were won by Bendigo trainers."
He said Crime Fighter's win in the Cup was much to the delight of champion jockey Luke Nolen, who said it was great to see such a crowd at a country race meeting.
"Luke Nolen made a point of saying he rarely comes to the provincials... but said it was just superb," he said.
"It was a nice acknowledgment."
Marong Racing Club president Pat Sheehan said the weather had been more favourable than last year, and also less hot than predicted.
"We're very fortunate this year after last year's heat, we had a really hot day this time last year," he said.
"We’re very lucky this year, it’s turned out to be a very pleasant summer's day."
Principal of St Peter's in North Bendigo, Craig Simpson, said the event was always a good day.
"It’s a fun day, there’s great activities and lots for kids to do. It’s a good fundraiser for the schools," he said.
He said the forecast hot weather might have deterred some from attending but there still looked to be a decent-sized crowd.
"There are a lot of hens’ parties, bucks parties, and people from Swan Hill have got buses down here," he said.
Mr Simpson said the highlight for him had been the relay race.
"It's a bit of nice friendly competitiveness between the schools," he said.
"Our school was first across the line, but you have to have enough water left in our jar and we didn’t and got disqualified.
"Holy Rosary were the winners. It was good fun though."