Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
LOCAL Catholic primary schools are expected to share in about $50,000 that the Marong Cup is thought to have raised.
While the final figure won’t be known for several months, Marong Racing Club vice president Ian Holmes said Saturday’s race had been a big success.
“Last year we raised about $45,000 to $50,000 for the primary schools and we’d expect a similar figure this year,” he said.
“They find it very helpful with their fundraising, being able to buy new equipment and assisting with the education of the students.
“The schools had about 200 volunteers out there helping out.”
Mr Holmes said about 3000 people had attended the race meet and said there had been few problems.
“We had a very good crowd,” he said.
“It’s a very strong family event.”
Marong Racing Club secretary Greg Sheehan said the schools would get an equal share in the funds that were raised.
Close to 70 horses competed across seven races and local jockey Jason Benbow won the main event on Ballarat horse Gottino for a $20,000 prize.
Students also had a race of their own, taking part in a 200 metre sprint with cups of water which St Kilian’s Primary School won.
Mr Holmes thanked the events sponsors and said the meet was the third biggest race on the local calendar.
Related coverage: Gottino thrashes rivals in Marong Cup at Bendigo Jockey Club