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ALL OUR 2016 BENDIGO CUP COVERAGE
► PHOTO GALLERIES
► STORIES
UPDATE 5.30pm: And that’s it – The Chairman wins the final race of the day!
Thanks for sticking with us today, we hope you had an amazing day.
Keep on eye on this page throughout the night for links to more stories and photo galleries.
Here’s Bourkey’s final wrap:
Punters finished the day on a high note when The Chairman was a stylish winner of the final event.
The Mick Price-trained gelding travelled beautifully in the run just behind leaders Royal Lady and Rushmore.
Jockey Mick Dee was held up for a run until the final 200m, but once he eased The Chairman into the clear the gelding put the race away with a good turn of foot.
The Chairman won from Bendigo galloper Bee Jay Zed, with Loveheart Lass third.
Dee said The Chairman would now head to a race at the Flemington carnival. He said the horse has the potential to win a city-class race.
UPDATE 5.15pm: It’s almost time for the final race of day. Follow Bourkey’s predictions here:
Race 10 – The get out stakes.
THE CHAIRMAN (5) and KING OF ENGLAND (2) dominate the market and you’d expect one of the two horses to win.
THE CHAIRMAN (5) looks we placed at his third run back from a long spell. He’s drawn perfectly and the step up to 1600m looks ideal. Hard to beat.
KING OF ENGLAND (2) is down in class and up in weight. He has the potential to be the best horse in this race, but my concern is he’ll be too far back in the run. Not many horses have come from back in the field to win today.
Horses to through in multiples include BEE JAY ZED (3), GOLDIE’S FORTUNE (7), Bendigo duo RUSHMORE (8) and STAR ZONE (9) and LOVEHEART LASS (10).
Suggested bet: The Chairman to win.
UPDATE 5.10pm: Our photographers are back and we’re starting to get photo galleries up online. Check them out here:
UPDATE 5pm: And here’s Bourkey’s wrap for Race 9:
Jockey Damian Lane grabbed his second win of the day when Grande Rosso took out the Symes Motors Benchmark 90 Handicap (1400m).
Having his first start for the David Hayes stable, Grande Rosso turned around his form to win impressively from Streetwise Savoire and Turfane.
Lane settled the five-year-old in the one-one position and he controlled the race from there.
He moved to the outside of the leaders at the top of the straight and never looked like being beaten.
Streetwise Savoire, ridden by Michelle Payne, fought on well to run second, just ahead of Turfane.
UPDATE 4.55pm: The crowd is starting to thin now, but organisers say about 10,000 attended, up 1000 from last year.
There is still one race to go at 5.20pm, before bars close at 5.30pm and the Bendigo Cup is over for another year.
UPDATE 4.50pm: And the winner of Race 9 is Grande Rosso!
UPDATE 4.40pm: Ice baths, trips to the beach and other tricks to loosen muscles. That is what is in store for many horses post race.
Bendigo trainer Brian Gentle has two horses in the final race of the day - Rushmore and Star Zone.
He says post race his horses will have their legs iced, perhaps also getting anti-inflammatories.
They will also get some time in the back paddocks - though other trainers prefer a box for their horses post-race.
He said those based near the seaside will take their horses for a dip in the ocean.
"Sea water has a lot of healing powers for a horse. If they have any niggles in their bones the water clears it right up," he said.
"Don't ask me why. It is just one of those things."
Mr Gentle will also give his horses a day or two off from training.
UPDATE 4.35pm: The main event may have been won, but it’s not over yet. Here’s Bourkey’s preview for the second last race:
Race 9 – Geez, would love a winner. Placings just don’t cut the mustard.
CAUTHEN (7) is shorter in the betting than I thought it would be, but I’ll stick with it.
Was caught wide last start, but fought on well. The drop in grade suits.
SIR LASZLO (6) is the best roughie. He is a stayer resuming but he has run well fresh in the past.
GRANDE ROSSO (8) and TURFANE (9) get in well at the weights and can run big races here.
Suggested bet: Cauthen to win.
UPDATE 4.30pm: Bendigo police officers say they are impressed with crowd behaviour at the Bendigo Cup.
Acting Senior Sergeant Len Ladner said the day had a family atmosphere.
“There’ve been no incidents and no arrests,” he said.
“At this stage, we’re very impressed with the behaviour.
“That’s been the way for the last few years and we’re very happy to see that trend continue.
“Everyone’s just come down to have a good day and enjoy themselves.”
However, earlier one wit in a uniform remarked there was only one area that had saw behaviour that some may class criminal.
“The only crimes committed today were on the dance floor,” he said.
UPDATE 4.25pm: And here’s the Race 8 wrap from Adam Bourke:
Goldphin galloper Francis Of Assisi became the UK raider to win the Jayco Bendigo Cup (2400m) when he streeted the field in the $300,000 event.
Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, Francis Of Assisi sat second in the run before surging clear at the of the straight.
He showed great stamina to win by three lengths from Second Bullet and favourite Our Century.
Second Bullet and Our Century both ran well, but gave the imported stayer too much of a start at the 500m mark.
Francis of Assisi’s win came one week after Godolphin won the Geelong Cup with Qewy.
McEvoy was impressed with Francis Of Assisi, but still rated Qewy slightly ahead of him.
Francis Of Assisi is not entered for next week’s Melbourne Cup and will now head to the Sandown Cup (3200m).
2014 Bendigo Cup winner Bring Something ran fourth, while topweight Howard Be Thy Name was “plain” according to trainer Darren Weir and won’t be running in next week’s Melbourne Cup.
UPDATE 4.05pm: Francis of Assisi has won the 2016 Jayco Bendigo Cup!
UPDATE 4pm: And they're off!
UPDATE 3.50pm: Ten minutes to go until the main event, the 2016 Jayco Bendigo Cup. Here’s Bourkey’s predictions...
Race 8 – Time for the feature event – the Jayco Bendigo Cup.
The Lloyd Williams-owned OUR CENTURY (8) is all the rage on track and is as short as $2.15. He looks mighty hard to beat.
SECOND BULLET (9) might be the best each-way value in the race. He drops significantly in class and will love the good track.
Godolphin raider FRANCIS OF ASSISI (6) creates plenty of interest. All the imported Godolphin stayers have run well this spring and he is expected to be in the finish here.
FERRO NERO (5) is in career best form, while BRING SOMETHING (2) won this race two years ago.
Happy to risk HOWARD BE THY NAME (1).
Suggested bet: Second Bullet each-way.
UPDATE 3.45pm: Here’s the Race 7 wrap from Bourkey:
Schneller showed his toughness when he outlasted Chamois Road in race seven at Bendigo Cup day.
The five-year-old was backing up after winning at Hamilton on Sunday.
Schneller ($9) had a great battle down the straight with topweight Chamois Road ($7) and got the bob in on the finish line.
The Clinton McDonald-trained gelding scored his sixth win from 30 career starts and took his prizemoney earnings to beyond the $125,000 mark.
The first two finished two lengths clear of third placed Challenge Accepted.
UPDATE 3.40pm: Not long to go now before the 4pm JAYCO Bendigo Cup.
Who are you tipping to win?
UPDATE 3.25pm: And the winner of Race 7 is Schneller!
UPDATE 3.15pm: Judging for the final event in the Myer Fashions on the Field is under way.
WATCH IT LIVE – Lady of the Day
UPDATE 3.10pm: Next up is Race 7, the last before the main event, the JAYCO Bendigo Cup. Here’s the preview from Adam Bourke...
Race 7 – First leg of the quaddie and there’s plenty of depth.
Numbers 1, 3, 4, 7 and 10 can all win.
I like BUCKLER (7) on top. Hasn’t had much luck lately and from his good draw here he can settle a bit closer in the run. He’ll be finishing hard.
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED (4) has plenty of upside. He was impressive in his last campaign including a strong win at Wagga and a good placing at Moonee Valley.
CHAMOIS ROAD (1) has done little wrong in its seven career starts. First up here with 60kg on his back is a tough ask, but he has plenty of ability.
SCHNELLER (3) is an intriguing runner. He backs up just 3 days after winning at Hamilton.
Suggested bet: Buckler to win.
Quaddie: First leg – 1, 4, 7. Second leg – 5, 6, 8, 9. Third leg – 2, 3, 7, 8, 9. Fourth leg – 2, 5.
UPDATE 3.07pm: Some punters spend hours pouring through the form guide before placing their bets. For the rest of us, it can come down to any number of not-quite-so-empirical-factors, like lucky numbers, funny names and gut feelings.
With Vincent Marshall cleaning up with his $5 each way bet on ‘Go Down’, the Bendigo Advertiser asked him to let us in on the secrets behind his punting success.
“That one I picked on the name!” he said.
That hasn’t had a 100 per cent success rate for the red-headed Huntly-man, however.
“Early I went ‘Red Sister’...’cause of my hair,” he said.
But he does have a more steady rule of thumb to base his bets on.
“In general I go on odds, 10-1,” he said.
“That’s about an even bet, they’ve probably won a few races before or get a few second places, but they’re still paying well.”
What do you base your tips on?
UPDATE 3.05pm: Pamela Gazzara's job can get a little tricky when people try to sneak past her without the right ticket.
She is at the Member's Pavilion making sure that not just anyone can get in.
"I am there to make sure only members (of the Bendigo Jockey Club) come in and that they are safe, are not drunk and a wearing the right clothes," she said.
It is not always easy. People do try to sneak in even though they should not.
She said the owners of racing horses were the worst offenders.
She said she saw it all when she was assigned to the gates.
"Just before I had an old lady who took 20 minutes to get down that ramp," she said, pointing to a ramp connecting the Member's stands to the bookie pens.
When she got down she asked me not to tell her husband she had forgot her ticket.
The woman instead had to ask security to let her back in.
Ms Gazarra is one of the many workers who travel the state following races.
She loves the job.
"My favourite thing is the money, but I'm a very people orientated person," she said.
"If I can get one person to smile then that's fantastic."
UPDATE 3pm: Here’s Adam with the Race 6 wrap:
Chase The Horizon gave favourite backers something to cheer about when he won the TCL TV Benchmark 78 Handicap (1100m).
The four-year-old was gifted a peach of a ride by Mark Zahra and came clear in the final 200m to defeat second favourite Duibio and outsider of the field Uncle Tiger.
Chase The Horizon, who is by Stratum out of classy mare Tan Tat De Lago, has now four of his 12 starts and earned more than $120,000 in stakemoney.
Bendigo galloper Glenrowan Prince led and looked a place chance before fading in the final 100m to run sixth.
UPDATE 2.55pm: The Local Lady of the Day winner is about to be announced...
WATCH IT LIVE – Local Lady of the Day
UPDATE 2.51pm: Chase The Horizon wins Race 6!
UPDATE 2.50pm: With a bright red jacket, gold-tipped cane and jauntily-angled hat, Hal Salter raises an obvious question as he cuts his way through the crowd at the Bendigo Cup.
Is Mr Salter the classiest looking punter in Bendigo?
Melbourne’s Donna Jenkins and Helen Rose certainly thought so, grabbing hold of his arms as he posed for the camera.
But the dapper looking gentleman is not here to lose money to the bookies.
The South Yarra-based philanthropist has being coming to the Bendigo Cup for the last 15 years to network and raise money for charity.
He reckons he’s raised $8 million over the last three decades - and with an outfit like that, it seems entirely possible.
UPDATE 2.45pm: Preliminary judging of Lady of the Day is under way:
WATCH IT LIVE – Lady of the Day
UPDATE 2.40pm: Wondering who will win Race 6? Duibio is Adam Bourke’s pick –
Race 6 – Like the topweight DUIBIO (1) here. Has to carry 59kg, but he looks to have a class edge on his rivals. Ran fourth to Supido at Flemington three starts ago – that’s clearly good enough form for this.
CHASE THE HORIZON (2) will start favourite off the back of a good win at Caulfield. The dry track is the query. He hasn’t won on good ground in five starts.
Bendigo galloper GLENROWAN PRINCE (3) is the best roughie in the race. He should lead from gate one and give a good sight at big odds.
Suggested bet: Duibio to win.
UPDATE 2.30pm: Here’s Adam’s Race 5 wrap:
Bendigo mare Go Down produced a stunning turn of foot to win the Bet365 Fillies and Mares Benchmark 70 Handicap (1100m).
Trained by Brendon Hearps and ridden by Bendigo boy Brad Rawiller, Go Down relished the high tempo set in front by Matilda Bird and Stella The Boss.
Go Down ($8) was held for a run at the 300m mark, but once Rawiller angled her into the clear she let down superbly and burst clear to win by five lengths from favourite Strykinglee.
Another Bendigo mare Flying Spark, trained by Shane Fliedner, ran third. She ran second in the same race last year.
Go Down’s win was the second time in as many years that Hearps has won a race on his hometown Cup day.
Last year he produced Money Clip, which was also ridden by Rawiller, to win over 1000m.
UPDATE 2.20pm: The Local Lady of the Day judging is under way in the Myer Fashions on the Field.
WATCH IT LIVE – Local Lady of the Day
UPDATE 2.15pm: And the winner of Race 5 is local Go Down.
UPDATE 2.05pm: On to Race 5 and here’s the preview from Adam Bourke:
Race 5 – Two leading chances for mine here.
Odds-on favourite STRYKINGLEE (4) is the horse to beat, while Bendigo mare STELLA THE BOSS (3) is also a strong winning chance.
STYKINGLEE (4) was a good third at Cranbourne last start in a stronger race than this. Looks very well placed.
Plenty went wrong with STELLA THE BOSS (3) last start and it’s best to forget that run. She won on this day last year and there’s a strong tip on track that she’ll repeat that performance today.
GO DOWN (8) and FLYING SPARK (9) are two other locals with each-way appeal.
Suggested bet: Stella The Boss to win.
UPDATE 2pm: Here’s Adam with the Race 4 wrap:
The well-backed Seattle Boom scored a gutsy win in the No Fuss Event Hire Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100m).
Seattle Boom ($3.90) led on the fence and looked set to be overtaken by Fire Agate in the final 100m.
However, Seattle Boom, trained by Andrew Noblet, showed great tenacity to kick back on the fence and defeat Fire Agate ($14) by a short half-head. Secret Obsession ($5) ran on strongly to finish third.
Seattle Boom was ridden by Linda Meech, who has now scored eight wins in her past 22 rides at the Nursery Of Champions.
Bendigo gallopers Truculent and Hay Handsome failed to fire.
UPDATE 1.55pm: And now it’s the men’s turn…
WATCH IT LIVE – Man of the Day
UPDATE 1.45pm: The winner of the Millinery award is about to be announced in the Myer Fashions on the Field.
WATCH IT LIVE – Millinery
UPDATE 1.40pm: The Melbourne Cup has made a prized appearance in Bendigo as the city celebrates its own marquee horse racing event.
The trophy, which will be awarded to the victorious horse in Tuesday's race at Flemington, was being looked after by Joe Agresta, foreman to late Cup-winning trainer Bart Cummings.
Mr Agresta spent 34 years with the Cummings stable, winning five races-that-atop a nation.
He said Bendigo racecourse was one of his favourite tracks, well-suited to young horses looking for their first taste of success.
The decorated foreman did not have a pick for this afternoon's race, though.
"I don't look at the fields that much, I just enjoy the racing," Mr Agresta.
UPDATE 1.35pm: The winner of Race 4 is Seattle Boom for jockey Linda Meech and trainer Andrew Noblet.
UPDATE 1.30pm: At race days across the state you can confidently bet Paul Woolley will have the best view.
His camera overlooks the finish line and mounting yard from the first story of the Member's stand.
Mr Woolley operates the main camera for TRP, which televises the Cup. It is his shot the viewers see as horses stretch out their noses for the photo finish.
The broadcast team begin race days at a depot in Melbourne, transporting millions of dollars worth of equipment to tracks all over Victoria.
Today will be at least 13 hours long, Mr Woolley said.
This is his 14th Bendigo Cup as main camera operator and his 17th overall.
And he is getting ready for his 14th Melbourne Cup, which is his favourite race film.
He said the atmosphere at the Melbourne Cup was incredible.
"At the Melbourne Cup it is amazing how many people want to come into my box," he said.
UPDATE 1.25pm: And here’s the Race 4 preview:
Race 4 – Harder to pick than a broken nose.
Favourites SECRET OBSESSION (10) and SEATTLE BOOM (9) were impressive winning last start, but face a step up in class here.
FIRE AGATE (6) was solid in running second at Bendigo last start and he should get a good run on the speed here. AURELIUS HERO (4) rarely runs a bad class and looks better suited back in this grade.
Don’t leave out the locals TRUCULENT (3) and HAY HANDSOME (2). Truculent has proved costly for punters, but he’ll get better run from this good draw today and might be able to finish off the race strongly. Hay Handsome was impressive in winning at Swan Hill last start and looks over the odds here.
Suggested bet: Fire Agate and Hay Handsome each-way.
UPDATE 1.22pm: The 2016 Myer Fashions on the Field event is under way!
WATCH IT LIVE – Man of the Day
WATCH IT LIVE – Millinery
UPDATE 1.20pm: Here’s the Race 3 wrap from Adam:
The run of outs for Bendigo trainers continued on Bendigo Cup day when Want To Rock won the Oranage Pride 3YO Maiden Plate (1400m).
Magnarock, trained by Brian Gentle at Bendigo, started favourite and was expected to be Bendigo’s best winning chance of the day.
However, the three-year-old couldn’t finish off under the heavy impost of 61kg and ran a gallant fourth.
In contrast, Want To Rock showed plenty of dash in the final furlong to defeat the Darren Weir-trained Rockstar Rebel and early leader Rhyola.
Want To Rock ($7) relished the step back in class. The three-year-old had raced in city class in all six of his previous starts.
UPDATE 1.15pm: The first of our entries are in for the 2016 Style Stakes! Check them out here.
UPDATE 1.10pm: Racegoers unsure whether they've drunk too much alcohol to drive home after this afternoon’s Bendigo Cup are being encouraged to visit the TAC marquee inside the racecourse entrance.
TAC workers Chantal Vidor and Garrett McDonough both breathalysed spectators at last year's event and said they were looking forward to helping more people make wise decisions on their way home.
"There's nothing better than when someone was planning on driving, they blow, then make alternative plans for getting home," Mr McDonough said.
Ms Vidor believed fewer drinkers each year were risking their lives and the lives of other road users.
"These days, if people are going to drink, they'll generally plan not to drive," she said.
"It's about changing the behaviour of the community."
UPDATE 1.05pm: And the winner of Race 3 is Want To Rock.
UPDATE 12.57pm: It’s not long now until the Myer Fashions on the Field event gets under way. Entries close in three minutes.
UPDATE 12.55pm: Five minutes to go until Race 3. Here’s Bourkey’s prediction…
Race 3 – Great opportunity here for Bendigo galloper MAGNAROCK (1) to win its second race for trainer Brian Gentle. He was a great run at Flemington last start and, despite having to carry 61kg here, looks the horse to beat.
RHYOLA (2), FLASH BOY (3) and ROCKSTAR REBEL (5) won their maidens in fine style at their last starts and will be competitive here, but not many horses can back-up from maiden wins with another victory at their next run.
For those having trifectas, don’t leave out Bendigo filly SILVER PATHFINDER (10) at cricket score odds. Forget about her run last start and there is a bit of talk around the track that she can run a big race today.
Suggested bet: Magnarock to win.
UPDATE 12.50pm: And here’s the Race 2 wrap from Adam:
Our Guarantee put his nose out at the right time to win the Newmarket Hotel Maiden Plate (1400m).
The Terry O’Sullivan-trained four-year-old needed every metre of the 1400m event to reel in race leader Prime Appeal.
Our Guarantee ($4.40), which is part-owned by high profile AFL player manager Liam Pickering and racing identity Dr Turf, won by the narrowest of margins from Prime Appeal and first starter Serenity Rose.
Prime Appeal was ridden perfectly out in front by Michael Walker and looked set to hold on before Our Guarantee made a late lunge.
Bendigo galloper Rosamond, trained by Brian Gentle, ran a close-up fifth.
UPDATE 12.45pm: Never mind later in the day, Wayne Faulks' money will go on the first three races.
Then he will go home.
"I like too look at the up-and-comers," he said.
"I've been a horse-goer my entire life and I tend to know what I'm looking for."
Mr Faulks is at the mounting yard looking for his next bet.
He likes to look at horses in their maiden races.
"Some of these are a bit too fat and bulky," he said.
"The ones that stand out to me are the ones that are fitter and just better than the rest.
"Plus you are looking out for horses that play up."
Mr Faulks said he was looking for horses that were calm.
UPDATE 12.40pm: Damian Noseda has seen a few races in his time. He works in the racing industry.
He's even been to races as far away as Asia.
"Singapore's quite different because they are all big betters," he said.
Mostly the bet while at the course, as there were few TAB style options.
"In Maccau they race day and night," he said.
Meanwhile in Qatar betting is illegal so there are often as few as 100 people at races.
However those who fancy a flutter can go in raffles to win cars, Mr Nosesa said.
UPDATE 12.35pm: The winner of race two is Our Guarantee, trained by Terry and Karina O'Sullivan.
UPDATE 12.25pm: Five minutes until race number two gets under way… Here’s Adam’s preview:
Race 2 – Hard race to get a handle on. I’m not overly convinced by the form around those horses which of raced.
That’s why I’m leaning towards first starter SERENITY ROSE (11) from the Trest Busuttin and Natalie Young stable. Their team is flying at the moment and this filly won’t have to be a star to be competitive here. Inside gate and the services of jockey Damian Lane are two key advantages.
PRIME APPEAL (7) looks to be the testing material along with local TAX DANCER (10). OUR GUARANTEE (2) is too short for mine. Happy to risk the gelding part-owned by Liam Pickering and Dr Turf.
Suggested bet: Serenity Rose each-way.
UPDATE 12.20pm: Bookie David McLauchlan is looking forward to a busy day.
While crowds could be unpredictable and the mozzies could wreak a little havoc he believes the warm weather and public holiday will bring out the punters.
"It's nice to see crowds enjoying a day out as they used to," he said.
Mr McLauchlan has been a bookie for 43 years. He said the biggest change in that time was the introduction of online betting.
"Unfortunately a lot of people sit at home on the couch on their betting apps," he said.
"It's affected the industry, as far as book makers are concerned.”
These days bookies relied on a narrow two-month window during the Spring Racing Carnival, he said, adding the rest of the year could be tough, with a lack of people making smaller bets of $10 to $50 at races.
"At an average meet, as opposed to a cup race, you might have five people in the betting ring for eight bookies."
Mr McLauchlan said the Victorian government should have changed betting regulations 20 years ago.
"It missed the boat," he said, adding that many online companies used the more regulation-friendly Darwin as a base.
UPDATE 12.15pm: And here’s the race 1 wrap from Adam Bourke:
Seymour galloper O’Lonhro Bay scored an upset win in the opening race on Bendigo Cup day.
The five-year-old had been beaten a combined total of 74 lengths in its previous five career starts for Allen Fitzgerald, but found its best form in its first start for new trainers Lee and Shannon Hope.
O’Lonhro Bay ($35) produced a strong finish to defeat odds-on favourite Good Therapy and City of Pearls.
Bendigo galloper Inaminute, trained by Shane Fliedner, ran a solid fourth on debut.
Champion jockey Craig Williams described the track as “perfect”. He said every horse would get their chance.
UPDATE 12.10pm: Dressed to the nines and think you could take out the Style Stakes? Enter our competition here for your chance to win a share in $1000 worth of Neon Peach vouchers!
UPDATE 12.01pm: First race is done and dusted. Your winner ... O'Lohnro Bay. The Bendigo trained Inaminute was fourth in start number one for trainer Shane Fliedner.
UPDATE 11.45am: The first race of the day is about to get under way. Adam Bourke will be bringing you live updates from the track, as well as previews beforehand.
Race 1 – Welcome to Bendigo Cup day folks. Happy punting (gamble responsibly, of course).
In the opening event, everything revolves around the first starters. GOOD THERAPY (12) has huge wraps and could even start odds-on. Local three-year-old INAMINUTE (9) has had steady support and trainer Shane Fliedner scratched his other runner, which could be a good lead. Of the raced brigade, the Matt Laurie-trained CITY OF PEARLS (5) should get a great run from barrier 1 and on-paced runners seem to be advantaged early on Cup day.
Suggested bet: trifecta – 8 and 9 to win, 4, 5, 8, 9 for second and 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12 for third.
UPDATE, 11.25am: Spectators come from far and wide to join in Bendigo's biggest race day.
Bethany Ha might've been born in the central Victorian city, but she travelled from Melbourne to be with her family for today's occasion.
Looking resplendent in a floral jumpsuit, Ms Ha said she had just one goal for the day: "To have a lot of fun."
Some punters are taking a fashion risk in the hope Fashions on the Field judges notice their style.
Jason Burt wore a plain, black suit to the races last year but didn't feature in the list of fashion winners.
He's hoping this year's cobalt ensemble - and matching hair - will impress.
"I thought it was something different," Mr Burt said.
"At least I might finish higher than last year."
UPDATE, 10.50am: The first bus to Bendigo cup has left from the Bendigo Train Station.
Drivers from Christians Bus Service expect a busy day, with five buses on the route this morning and at least 11 this afternoon for return trips.
Driver Leigh MacDonald said the crowds for the fittest trips out would be the "serious punters" as well as service workers and race committee members who didn't take a chartered service this morning.
Passenger Bryan said he had been going to Bendigo Cups for two decades.
"The only time I missed one was when I needed to put up a fence," he said.
"It's just the horses for me. I do gamble a little bit they can run the races without me.
"It's pretty simple. Some people play golf, some play lawn bowls. Some smoke.
"I don't call it a vice. It's not a vice but an interest."
UPDATE, 10.40am: Racegoers are beginning to make their way to Bendigo Racecourse via buses from the train station.
Addy journo Tom O’Callaghan is one of the many heading out there now.
One of our other roving reporters, Mark Kearney, is already at the racecourse.
Gates were open from 10.30am and a number of people were eager to get the best spot on the lawn.
People may spend a lot of time and effort on their outfits but it doesn’t take much for things to go wrong with them…
EARLIER: Are you heading to the 2016 Jayco Bendigo Cup?
We’ll be bringing you all the action and colour trackside from mid-morning. Watch this story for updates throughout the day. In the meantime…
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
IMPORTANT TIMES:
WEATHER:
Bendigo is headed for a partly cloudy day with a top of 22 degrees. There is a medium (50%) chance of showers in the morning and afternoon.
THE SCHEDULE
10.30am: Gates open
11am: Myer Fashions on the Field (FOTF) registrations open
12pm: Race 1
12.15pm: Bree Laughlin (Host of Myer FOTF) to be interviewed by Rob Gaylard in the Mounting Yard
12.30pm: Race 2
12.35pm: Bree to interview Melbourne Cup ambassador Joe Agresta and display 2016 Emirates Melbourne Cup during Myer FOTF
1pm: Race 3
1pm: Myer FOTF Registrations close
1pm: 2016 Emirates Melbourne Cup photo opportunity for oncourse patrons (located near main entrance), runs from 1-3pm
1.10pm: Preliminary judging of Millinery and Man of the Day
1.35pm: Race 4
1.40pm: Final judging of Millinery and Man of the Day
2.10pm: Race 5
2.20pm: Preliminary judging of Lady of the Day & Local Lady of the Day
2.25pm: Bree Laughlin interviews BJC Committee Member Melissa Buchanan
2.25pm: Carlton Draught Cyldesdales to parade down the straight
2.45pm: Race 6
2.50pm: Final judging of Local Lady & Lady of the Day
3pm: 2016 Emirates Melbourne Cup photo opportunity for oncourse patrons (located near Main Entrance) closes
3.15pm: Myer FOTF completed
3.20pm: Race 7
3.30pm: Judges & winners of Myer FOTF proceed to Myer Fashions Marquee
3.35pm: CUB Clydesdales, 2016 Jayco Bendigo & Emirates Melbourne Cups to parade down straight
3.50pm: Pamela Jackson to perform National Anthem in the Mounting Yard
4pm: Race 8 - JAYCO Bendigo Cup
4.10pm: Bree Laughlin/Racing.com to interview Myer FOTF winners
4.40pm: Race 9
5.20pm: Race 10
5.30pm: Bars close
IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION FROM THE BENDIGO JOCKEY CLUB
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/buses 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.
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 busy 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.
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 barbecues 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 resident Pamela Jackson will sing the national anthem prior to the running of the Jayco Bendigo Cup.
Star FM 3BO FM will be broadcasting live from just inside the main entry to the Racecourse from when gates open until approximately 12.00pm. Patrons are encouraged to watch, listen and even participate in the broadcast as they enter the course!
2016 Emirates Melbourne Cup: All oncourse patrons will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with the 2016 Emirates Melbourne Cup from approximately 1-3pm for a gold coin donation to the Rotary Club of Bendigo.
POST EVENT ACCESS
Following the Bendigo Cup, the course will be closed until Friday, October 28, 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, October 29. 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, October 28, from 9.00am after reporting to the main office.