BENDIGO CUP 2015 COVERAGE:

5.45pm: And that concludes our live coverage of the 2015 Bendigo Cup. 

We’ll post links to all our coverage on this page, so keep an eye on it or the homepage throughout the evening.

Take care on the roads and have a safe journey home.

5.30pm: Plot The Course wins the last race of the day. Impressive victory. 

5pm: And here’s Adam’s pick for the final race of the day, race ten:

RACE TEN (at 5.20pm): The final race is a raffle. There’s probably 10 winning chances, but I’ll try to narrow it down to three - HERE TO THERE (1), LYCKA TILL (3) and GENERAL JAMES (6). HERE TO THERE (1) was backed off the map last start before running an unlucky third. The form out of the race has stood up well. LYCKA TILL (3) will go around at big odds, but he’ll give you a great sight up on the pace. Forget last start when he was trapped three-wide. GENERAL JAMES (6) won impressively on Cranbourne Cup day and he’s well placed to run a big race again. Suggested bet: at the odds LYCKA TILL (3) each-way.

4.45pm: Ash dam wins race 9 in a photo finish from Dan Zephyr.

4.35pm: Ballarat's Rebecca Ebbles, Sharna Ageterhuis and Melissa Walsh came to Bendigo to join friend Billie Cody for the rival city's race day carnival.

It was Ms Cody's third Bendigo Cup and she ensured the group's priorities were in order.

"We prioritised the day so it started with the beverages and we'll move on to the punting," she said.

And when it came to picking her favourite colours and Cody knew where her loyalties lay.

"I should probably say blue and white actually because that's my partner's horse's colours," she said.

"He's got a horse that's racing next week at Oaks."

4.30pm: And the first of our photographers' photos are in! Here are some faces from the crowd at the 2015 Bendigo Cup.

4.25pm: Not long to go now. Here’s what you need to know for race nine:

RACE NINE (at 4.40pm): Hopefully this is where we can find some value. Like two horses at big odds here CORDOBA (3) and SURGE AHEAD (2), but they are both backmarkers and will need some luck. CORDOBA (3) has had no luck in two runs this campaign. Towards the end of the day there’s a good chance the track will favour the swoopers and Cordoba will be charging home. SURGE AHEAD (2) was a better run last time at Bendigo than what it reads. Well worth an each-way ticket at huge odds. DAN ZEPHYR (8), TUCANO (10) and LADY SHARAPOVA (13) will be the testing material. Suggested bet: CORDOBA (3) and/or SURGE AHEAD (2) each-way.

4.20pm: The first lady of Australian racing Gai Waterhouse has won her first Jayco Bendigo Cup after The Offer scored a gutsy win in today's $300,000 feature.

Ridden by MIchael Walker, The Offer outstayed its rivals to defeat a gallant Divan, while Kirramosa was a close-up third.

"How good was that,'' a jubilant Waterhouse said as she made her way through the BJC members enclosure.

The Offer will now head to next Tuesday's Melbourne Cup where he will carry five kilograms less than he did today.

4.17pm: How did you fare in the Bendigo Cup? Did you back The Offer?

4.07pm: Gai Waterhouse is celebrating after The Offer's win in the Bendigo Cup.

4.03pm: And the winner of the 2015 Jayco Bendigo Cup is The Offer!

4pm: And they’re off!

3.55pm: Last minute predictions…

3.45pm: And we’re counting down the minutes to the main race of the day - the 2015 Jayco Bendigo Cup, or race eight:

RACE EIGHT (at 4pm): Quality Bendigo Cup field, with the main chances at the top of the weights. KIRRAMOSA (3) hasn’t won for two years but her three runs this campaign have been good and she looks superbly weighted. THE OFFER (1) has the class factor and this is a stepping stone to the Melbourne Cup. LEEBAZ (2) and ARALDO JUNIOR (7) will set the tempo up front.  The 2400m is a query for LEEBAZ(2), while ARALDO JUNIOR (7) looked strong winning the Benalla Cup. MAYGROVE (4) has been consistent without winning in good staying races. The booking of Kiwi hoop Matthew Cameron is a key factor. He’s had five rides on the horse for three wins and two seconds. Suggested bet: KIRRAMOSA (3) to win and/or ARALDO JUNIOR (7) each-way.

3.40pm: Taddei Tondo overcame the huge impost of 62.5kg to win the Country Vet Benchmark 78 Handicap (1100m).

Aided by a great ride from Daniel Stackhouse, Taddei Tondo gained a split at the 200m mark and surged clear to win from King Buddy, with Impulsive Spirit third.

It was Taddei Tondo's third win from four starts at Bendigo.

3.35pm: Not long now until the main event of the day, the 2015 Jayco Bendigo Cup.

3.23pm: Taddei Tondo carries the grandstand but still wins race 7 impressively.

3.07pm: And now for race seven:

RACE SEVEN (at 3.20pm): Tough start to the quaddie. LONHTIME (11), SQUEAKY SQUIRREL (9) and TADDEI TONDO (1) are the must includes for the quaddie. LONHTIME (11) couldn’t have been more impressive in winning at Bendigo first-up from a spell before having no luck at Caulfield. SQUEAKY SQUIRREL (9) has been super consistent this preparation. Forget last start at Seymour where he had no luck. TADDEI TONDO (1) has plenty of weight but is down significantly in class. With a cushy run can be in the finish. IMPULSIVE SPIRIT (10) is favourite in its first start for new trainer David Hayes. Happy to risk him because all his winning form is on wet tracks. Suggested bet: LONHTIME (11) to win. Suggested quaddie: First leg – 1, 9, 11. Second leg – 1, 2, 3, 4, 7. Third leg – 2, 3, 8, 10, 13. Fourth leg – 1, 3, 6.  Cost - $22.50 for 10%.

3.05pm: More success for Bendigo trainers with the Gus Philpot-trained Shadowofyoursmile winning the Stride Events Fillies and Mares Benchmark 70 Handicap (1100m).

The five-year-old mare appeared to be headed by fellow Bendigo-trained filly Flying Spark, but she fought back in the concluding stages to win narrowly.

The result gave Shane Fliedner four second placings for the day.

2.56pm: Lady of the Day contestants vie for the crown in the home of Myer.

2.50pm: Bendigo trainer Gus Philpot wins race with Shadowofyoursmile. Another second for Shane Fliedner with Flying Spark.

2.46pm: The men’s Fashions on the Field has been won and run, with a local bloke taking the cake.

Former Bendigo woman Ashleigh Barri took home the Myer Fashions on the Field Millinery award.

2.42pm: Just a few minutes until race six.

RACE SIX (at 2.45pm): Good race for the fillies and mares. I like SIMPLY MING (3) with apprentice hoop Jess Payne in the saddle. Struck heaps of trouble last start, but still hit the line hard behind the smart Glenrowan Prince. Should get a nice run just behind the speed. The danger is KARLESHA (4). The Darren Weir-trained mare didn’t fire last campaign, but her form prior to that was well up to this. The best roughie is local filly FLYING SPARK (12). Made good ground late last start at Ballarat. Suggested bet: SIMPLY MING (3) each-way.

2.37pm: The persistence of Bendigo trainer Brendon Hearps paid off when Money Clip scored an impressive win in race five.

The injury-prone galloper showed why Hearps was so keen to keep him racing when he won the Poyser Trucks Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100m).

Ridden by Bendigo jockey Brad Rawiller, Money Clip crossed from the outside gate to travel second in the running outside leader Been Scene.

Rawiller gave Money Clip a squeeze at the top of the straight and the six-year-old put two lengths on his rivals.

He then held off the fast-finishing Nightcraft with Kyneton galloper Florelle third.

Money Clip has only had five career starts because of a series of injury concerns.

Up until two weeks ago Hearps didn't know if he'd get the gelding back to the track.

Rawiller said Money Clip will win city class races if he stays sound.

2.33pm: More than 50 photos have been shared on #bendigocup on Instagram.

Check them all out on in our live gallery.

2.20pm: Paul Carrick‎ has shared this great picture with us of 1986 Bendigo Cup runner-up Cylai sharing his carrots at the gentlemanly age of 34. Looks like a great retirement!

2.15pm: Brilliant win by Money Clip in race 5 at Bendigo. Jockey Brad Rawiller confident horse can win city class races.

2.05pm: These strapping lads are getting big cheers from the audience at the Bendigo Cup.

There are shorts, Paisley jackets and fine suits on display. A handful have been selected for the next round.

1.58pm: Race five is almost upon us. Here’s Adam’s pick:

RACE FIVE (at 2.10pm): A race we can bet with some confidence. Bendigo galloper MONEY CLIP (3) is clearly the testing material here. Hasn’t had any luck with injuries in his career, but he has more ability than his rivals. With luck in running he’ll be mighty hard to beat. FLORELLE (8), RUNSATI (1), GRIZZLY (2) are the other main chances. Suggested bet: MONEY CLIP (3) to win.

1.52pm: Strathdale's Nick Walsh had a personal reason to back number seven in the third race at the Bendigo Cup.

"Lucky jockey today," he said.

"Harry Coffey, a young apprentice who's got (cystic fibrosis) so we're backing him.

"That's my lucky charm today."

As for the day's other big attraction, Mr Walsh was modest about his efforts in the fashion stakes.

"We had a Hawaiian theme so I thought I'd get into the groove of it all," he said.

"I've gone out specially and bought it at Lowes."

1.50pm: Mighty Like broke a nine-run losing streak when it took out the Bet365.com Benchmark 90 Handicap (1400m).

Mighty Like and second placegetter Orion controlled the race from the front.

Champion hoop Damien Oliver urged Mighty Like to the front at the 300m mark and he was able to fend off Orion in a two-horse war down the straight.

Thunderbird One did well to finish third after racing near the tail of the field.

The time of 1:25.8 was a full second slower than the 1400m maiden.

1.43pm: A brilliant front running ride from Damien Oliver guides Mighty Like to victory in race 4.

1.35pm: It's not many race-goers who chose to wear a whole painting as their suit, but that's precisely what Gnaden Kelly has done.

He was attracted to this unique piece for the colours and poses here at the Bendigo Cup with Hollie Walton.

Judges prepare for the big contest off the track - the spring racing fashion.

1.30pm: As always, the fashions on the field is being hotly contested, with dozens taking to the podium.

The millinery category is under way, with lace to shells with spikes and flowers all on display.

1.22pm: Time to start thinking about race four:

RACE FOUR (at 1.35pm): Good time to have lunch. The most disappointing race of the day. MIGHTY LIKE (1) will start favourite but he  hasn’t won for a long time. ORION (2) is first up from a spell and will be better suited over more ground, but he is a winner. ELMANTOSH (4) and SOOSA RAMA (5) are well weighted and can test the top two. Suggested bet: ORION (2) to win.

1.20pm: 

RACE 3: The frustration for Bendigo trainer Shane Fliedner continued when Rezak held off his promising galloper Comeback to win race three.

The result gives Fliedner three seconds from as many races today.

Comeback was forced back to last from his wide barrier and he wasn't helped by a slow tempo up front.

Rezak was given a perfect ride by Jye McNeil and he took the lead 250m from home and held off the fast-finishing comeback.

Early leader Potosi was a close-up third.

1.10pm: Rezak wins race 3 for jockey Jye McNeil and trainer Greg Eurell:

It’s frustration for Shane Fliedner followers with three second place finishes in the first three races. Ouch!

1.05pm: There’s plenty of colourful faces and colourful stories among the crowds at the Bendigo Cup, as well as some raceday first-timers.

Cup day veteran of 20 years Catherine Maloney treated partner Rick Ryan to his first Bendigo Cup today.

Though not a habitual punter, Mr Ryan was keen to make the most of the opportunity.

"We're going to have a bit of a crack today," he said.

For her part Ms Maloney was backing horses in yellow while Mr Ryan's lucky colour was red - though he was realistic about his prospects.

"Probably my best (tip) is to keep my money in my wallet," he joked.

"The horses I like to follow are the horses that follow everyone else."

12.55pm: Check out the great pictures being shared on social media from Bendigo’s big event here.

12.51pm: Race three is nearing:

RACE THREE (at 1pm): The 1400m maiden on Bendigo Cup day is always a strong form race. A host of winning chances here including AMITY ISLAND (1), COMEBACK (3), NAT’S THE BOSS (5) and POTOSI (6). NAT’S THE BOSS (5) is the one I like each-way. The form out of its three runs in maiden class have been very strong. The wide barrier is a concern, but if he gets any luck he will be finishing hard. Suggested bet: NAT’S THE BOSS (5) each-way.

12.50pm: Bendigo trainer Brad Cole celebrated his first ever winner on his hometown Cup day when Stella The Boss took out the Eascom Electrical Maiden Plate (1000m).

Stella The Boss was a good thing beaten on debut at Swan Hill, but this time around jockey Jordan Mallyon gave the filly plenty of galloping room.

Despite being wide, Stella The Boss still had enough in the tank to run down Bendigo galloper Diamond District.

"I haven't had many, if any, runners on Bendigo Cup day over the years,'' a jubilant Cole said.

"It's nice to get a winner on a big day."

Stella The Boss was originally in the care of Sylvia Thompson, but the filly ha a liking for bucking off her riders.

Cole was given the task of taming her manners.

"She can be a bit of a rogue, but she has plenty of ability,'' he said.

Cole said Stella The Boss has the potential to be a city-class galloper.

12.45pm: Stella The Boss wins race 2 for Bendigo trainer Brad Cole.

12.25pm: And here’s Adam’s tip for the next race:

RACE TWO (at 12.30pm): First starter LOUD AND PROUD (6) is the most intriguing runner. Trainer Robert Smerdon has been very patient with the four-year-old which gives you the impression he must have a good opinion of the galloper. Bendigo galloper DIAMOND DISTRICT (2) has done little wrong in its four career starts and will be right in the finish. STELLA THE BOSS (8) was good on debut at Swan Hill and can measure up here. Suggested bet: LOUD AND PROUD (6) to win.

12.22pm: Some Bendigo Cup dwellers are bucking the suit-and-tie trend, opting for a Mexican theme instead. 

With their rainbow ponchos and big sombreros, Benn and Zach can't be missed in the crowds today. 

12.20pm: Zara Fiske, Tayla Johnston and Amber Fiske donned pastels and white for this year's race. 

Zara said she bought her white crop top and waisted bell skirt at the last minute and because she wanted something a little cooler for the warm day ahead. 

Tayla said she selected her pale pink pastel dress fitting with spring racing trends, adding that the longer skirt is in current fashion. 

Amber went for white lace to match her rose-gold theme. 

12.15pm: Three-year-old filly Tavi Bay denied the locals of a first-up win on Bendigo Cup day.

The Henry Dwyer-trained filly held off Bendigo gallopers More Spark and First Stimulus to win the Champions IGA Maiden Plate (1600m).

Tavi Bay sat off a hot tempo set by Lohnrix and powered home in the final 200m.

More Spark, trained by Shane Fliedner, came from last to run second, while the Shaun Dwyer-trained First Stimulus ran third despite having little luck at the top of the straight.

Winning jockey Jake Bayliss said Tavi Bay had "loads of ability" and would be even better suited over more ground.

12.10pm: Bendigo Myer representatives Amy Jackman, Tashi Stephenson, Amber Harrison and Chloe Pantazis say they will be approaching and encouraging women and men with a unique style to enter the Fashions on the Field competition. 

But it's not all about what you wear - while the crew say they will be scouting out those big, bold fascinators, they'll also be looking for race-goers with an air of confidence.

Judges will award some $18,000 worth in prizes to the most stylish Lady of the Day, Local Lady of the Day, Man of the Day and a Millinery Award.   

Judges include Jill Humphries from Jill & Jack Millinery , Penny Holloway from Country Racing Fashion Blog, Jill Cantwell-Fox from Jools for Jim and Josie DeRous from Cue Australia. 

12.05pm: RACE ONE: Tavi Bay wins the first race of the day.

11.45am: Not long now until the first race of the day. Here’s our pick from the Addy’s Adam Bourke:

RACE ONE (at noon): No great confidence in the opening event. Local stables well in the mix with FIRST STIMULUS (1) and MORE SPARK (8). At the value, I’ll go for the Pat Carey-trained ABOLISH (7). Was beaten a long way last start but had little luck in running. Will run out a strong mile. Suggested bet: ABOLISH (7) to win.

11.30am: Racegoers are starting to stream through the entrance at the Bendigo Cup, greeted with bagpipes as the Highland Pipe Band performs.

11.25am: What's happening in Bendigo today for those not going to the Cup? It's a beautiful day out there - perfect chance for a picnic? 

11.20am: Registrations have opened for the Myer Fashions on the Field. Are you going to enter?

11.15am: Kirramosa is primed to win her first race since the 2013 VRC Oaks in today’s Jayco Bendigo Cup (2400m), write sports reporter Adam Bourke.

Trainer John Sargent had originally planned to run Kirramosa in the Caulfield and Melbourne cups, but a slight injury suffered in the Epsom Handicap last start forced a change of schedule. Read more here.

11am: Reporter Chris Pedler and photographer Noni Hyett had a visit from 3BO’s Cogho and Beck in the Style Stakes tent. Check it out here:

For more information about the Style Stakes, click here.

10.45am: Now we know today is not all about the fashion, so make sure you check out our guide to backing a winner. The Bendigo Advertiser sports crew have studied the form and have come up with their best bets for the program. Check it out here.

10.40am: While we’re on the topic of fashion, did you check out our fabulous photo flashbacks yesterday? We have a photo gallery of the 2005 Fashion on the Field outfits here, and a gallery taking a look back at ten years of fashion winners here.

10.35am: All frocked up and looking glamorous? Make sure you check out the Style Stakes tent just inside the main entrance to have your pictured snapped for the Bendigo Advertiser and Jools for Jim Style Stakes. There are great prizes up for grabs and you’ll find full details here.

10.30am: Good morning Bendigo and welcome to race day!

We’ll be bringing you live updates from the Cup, racing action and all the colour, so keep an eye on this page throughout the day.

Weatherwise, currently we’re sitting at a beautiful 17.7 degrees in Bendigo with the temperature forecast to reach 26 degrees. There’ll be plenty of sunshine about today, so slip, slop, slap!

GATES OPEN

10.30am

ON THE TRACK

First of 10 races is at noon. The Jayco Bendgo Cup is race eight at 4pm. The last race is scheduled for 5.20pm.

CAR PARK ACCESS

Members are advised that access to the Members Car Park is best approached via Rohs Road and that it is expected that the Members parking area will fill up early. For Members with bookings in Silks Dining Room, the Club recommends you enter through the main entrance.

Please note: Vehicles (other than horse floats, public transport busses and industry officials) arriving via Midland Hwy from Heinz Street will be directed to the car park areas and entrance point off Andrew Street (the Western side of the course adjacent to the rail line). A Western entrance gate will be in operation and if you are in any of the Trackside or Corporate Village Marquee precincts this entrance is in close proximity and will be your best option.

Public are able to access car parking from either entrance and will be directed to the appropriate area by traffic management staff.

EXITING COURSE AT END OF THE DAY

Due to Victoria Police traffic control requirements, all vehicles will be required to depart ONLY via the Heinz Street main gates, with vehicles in the left lane directed East toward Rohs Road and Racecourse Road while the other two lanes will be directed West back to the Midland Hwy. Patrons are asked to be patient as exiting the course may take some time as can be expected when leaving any large event.

BUS SERVICES

A $2 fare bus will be operation from the Bendigo Rail Station with departure times scheduled to meet trains arriving between 10.30am till 1.00pm. 

All patrons are encouraged to use this service, which is a responsible option for those intending to return to the city at the end of the event. The Bendigo Jockey Club together with the TAC encourage all patrons to be “Races Ready” and plan ahead to ensure you get home safely. To see the light-hearted TAC “Races Ready” advertisement please follow the link:https://youtu.be/bdJETHjto1c 

Return services which will be also be a $2 charge per person will depart the course from 3.30pm approx every 15 minutes until 6.30pm to the Bendigo Station, Queen Street Taxi Rank and McRae Street. 

Again, the Club recommends the use of the shuttle service as an efficient method of transport back to Bendigo CBD due to expected high demand of Taxi Service on the day. The Bendigo Jockey Club cannot guarantee the reliability of taxi services on this extremely bust day and suggest patrons plan their day around the use of the shuttle service to and from the City.

EVENT SERVICES

The Bendigo Jockey Club thanks the TAC who will be providing a complimentary water station and re-charge zone, while the Coliban Water trailer will also be in operation near the public lawn. First Aid stations will also be in operation in various locations around the course.

RESPONSIBLE SERVING OF ALCOHOL

The Club will have stringent measures in place to control the supply of alcohol for consumption in line with modern event practices and the Club’s Liquor Licence requirements.

All persons are subject to Age Identification. Age Verification Wrist Banding Stations will be present within the course in order to pre-ID patrons to help provide faster bar service. The Club will have a zero tolerance for intoxication and must strictly enforce requirements under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 pertaining to intoxication, serving minors, and secondary serving of minors. Victoria Police and VCGLR Inspectors will be present at the event and will similarly enforce Liquor Licensing requirements.

BYO ITEMS

A point of entry security bag check will be in operation. The Club asks for patron patience in this process as bags and eskies must be searched for prohibited items.

For full details of our Conditions of Entry please seehttp://www.countryracing.com.au/bendigo-jockey-racing-club?___SID=U. Specifically we would like to draw patrons attention to the following:

It is a condition of our Liquor License that No alcohol may be bought onto the course other than those patrons that have purchased an Inner Sanctum Car Boot site.

Only small quantities of non alcoholic beverages in plastic containers will be permitted.

No glassware can be admitted other than food containers and baby bottles which will be permitted.

Crockery and cutlery for private use will be allowed but no sharp knives will be permitted.

No shade structures including commercial size large shade umbrellas are allowed for OH&S restrictions.

No weapons, vehicles or any cooking appliances including bbq’s are permitted.

If in doubt please call the club for clarification prior to the event.

ENTERTAINMENT

Myer Fashions on the Field (registrations open at 11.00am and close at 1.00pm immediately followed by the heats).

The Myer Fashions on the Field Stage is positioned to the west of the public lawn towards the trackside marquees. Prizes in all categories and Terms & Conditions will be available on the day or from the Club in advance.

Bendigo’s own Alana Conway will sing the national anthem prior to the running of the Jayco Bendigo Cup.

Star FM will be broadcasting live from just inside the main entry to the Racecourse from when gates open untilapproximately12.00pm. Patrons are encouraged to watch, listen and even participate in the broadcast as they enter the course!

Live music courtesy of the “The Elissa Van Dorst Duo” can be enjoyed in the Carlton Mid Meeding Place, adjacent to the Betting Ring from approximately midday until 5.00pm.

Several big screens will be in operation to view the racing action

The Bendigo Advertiser & Jools for Jim “Style Stakes” photographer will taking photographs for the Bendigo Advertiser’s traditional pictorial competition from an area just inside the main gates. Be sure to get snapped for your chance to win!

Interviews will take place with racing personalities and celebrities periodically in the mounting yard.

POST EVENT ACCESS

Following the Bendigo Cup meeting on 28th October 2015, the course will be closed until Friday 30th October to allow for the safe and efficient bump-out of all event infrastructure and an audit of Club assets. No access will be available to any person other than pre-approved contractors on Thursday 30th October. All pre-approved contractors must still report to the main office prior to accessing the course.

Security will be on 24 hour patrol throughout this period to ensure that only authorised people are on course. Security will also be conducting random security checks of vehicles accessing the racecourse on these days.

People who have left property at the course on Wednesday, will be able to reclaim it on Friday 30th October from 9.00am after reporting to the main office.

The club wishes all attendees a safe and enjoyable Jayco Bendigo Cup Day. For any queries please contact the club on (03) 5448 4209.