Melbourne Cup royalty on display
As crowds streamed in, some of the racing industry’s biggest names took to centre stage, including 2020 Melbourne Cup winner Twilight Payment, who amassed $5,642,805 in prize money across his illustrious career.
Speaking with Twilight Payment’s exhibitor Adele Ioannou, she shared, “He is the cutest little horse that we have on the farm… Twiggy loves to jump logs out in the park so we might get him into a cross country career, but for the moment we’re starting off with the in-hand showing.” Twilight Payment, who competed Sunday in the VRC Fashions on The Field, now resides at Living Legends in Greenvale alongside former champions of the track.
Celebrities rise to the challenge
In front of a packed crowd, nine celebrities put their skills to the test in a thrilling showdown.
Olympians Amanda Ross and Jamie Coman, and next generation eventing star Sam Jeffree, rose to the occasion in the Melbourne Racing Club Celebrity Challenge to secure the win for the Elite Equestrians. The Jockey team – consisting of Celine Gaudrey, one of the racing industry’s brightest young stars; record breaking group one winner Jamie Melham; and the legendary Daniel Stackhouse, who has ridden over 1,300 winners – had to settle for second place. The Trainers gave it a red hot go for third, with Group One winners Matt Laurie and Jason Warren flying the flag alongside renowned Warrnambool based trainer Matthew Williams.
As the celebrities took to the arena VIP guests enjoyed the best seats in the house with an extensive luncheon hosted by Jacqui Felgate.
Hong Kong Jockey Club jump-starts performance careers
Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Restart Program has helped launch the performance careers of numerous international racehorses through their dedicated racehorse aftercare program, reflecting their commitment to racehorses beyond their competitive racing years.
Jennifer Duffy and Notre Amour, who raced as Proletariat, had a sensational weekend to claim the Hong Kong Jockey Club 110cm Championship as well as the Racing Victoria Jumping Grand Champion Award.
Philip Stephens rode the experienced Bequest (Chipper) to victory in the Hong Kong Jockey Club 100cm Jumping Championship. Racing Victoria Acknowledged Retrainer Grace Chantler secured the 90cm Championship aboard Quiet Ale.
In the 80cm Jumping Championship, next gen competitor Georgia Matthews rode Luckbea Lady to victory. Robyn Brown and As Good As continued their winning form from Saturday’s Combined Training competition to secure the 70cm Jumping Championship.
Grace Chantler had a successful day in the saddle backing up her win in the 90cm Jumping Championship with another win in the 60cm Championship aboard Quencher.
Thoroughbreds dazzle in the showing arena
With spectators gathered ringside, the off the track Thoroughbreds took to the showing arena, impressing the judges with their beauty and grace. In the Off The Track Ridden Show Hack, Grace Pihan and Parklane (Vital Verse) were victorious. Parklane, who raced as Vital Verse, amassed $99,415 in prize money before redirecting to a showing career.
In the Off The Track Ridden Show Hunter Hack, Sabrina Gilmour expertly piloted Espresso, who raced as Jack Regan, to claim the class. In his racing career, the British-bred gelding amassed earnings of $173,784. Espresso was also named the Racing Victoria Ridden Show Horse Grand Champion.
Josh Clarke had a successful day in the arena with his nominations of SLM Enough Said (Flame of Venice) and SLM Huster (Areyoulistening) taking out first and third position in the Off The Track Led Show Hack. SLM Huster was also awarded the Rising Star Award.
Helmiton, who had 41 starts for 4 wins and $157,195 in career earnings, added to that tally Sunday by taking out the Off The Track Led Show Hunter Hack with exhibitor Dale Plumb.
Each of Sunday’s winners received a spectacular trophy rug courtesy of Leader Equine.
A bright future beyond the racetrack
The weekend’s proceedings highlighted the Thoroughbred’s versatility and aptitude for a successful career beyond the racetrack across four equestrian disciplines. Trainers, jockeys and owners alike were thrilled to witness their beloved horses excelling in their new careers.
Thank you to the sponsors and supporters who helped bring this exciting initiative to life for the very first time.
Full results can be found here.
Source: Event press release by Click Capture
