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Benalla turns out in numbers for Gold Cup on perfect spring day

Benalla Golf Cup's Best Dressed Tot, Willoh Robinson. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Contributed

Benalla Racing Club has hailed this year's Gold Cup its most successful, and plans for expansion are on the horizon.

General manager Cameron Symes said the club was thrilled with the day’s proceedings, culminating in five-year-old gelding Suizuro, ridden by Zac Spain and trained by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, saluting in the $125,000 Benalla Gold Cup.

Symes said his highlight of the day was seeing the victories of local trainers Olivia Osborne and Troy Corstens.

Osborne triumphed in the $35,000 Foote Handicap, with Kingwell ridden by Teo Nugent, and Corstens was victorious in the $50,000 Ryan and McNulty Sawmillers Weary Dunlop Handicap, with Red Dates ridden by Patrick Moloney.

Symes believes the success of local winners added an extra layer of excitement and community pride.

“The Benalla Cup, in particular, is a major event that unites the town and showcases the region's talent and enthusiasm for racing,” Symes said.

Off the track, the club says its offerings were well received, with Fashions on the Fields, in particular, proving to be as popular as ever, as racegoers young of age or young of heart strutted their stuff on the catwalk.

“Feedback on the facilities and service was overwhelmingly positive, with many guests eager to return next year,” Symes said.

With another successful event completed, the Benalla Racing Club aims to further establish itself as one of the premier rural racing clubs in Victoria.

“Plans are already in place to further enhance the race day experience, particularly in terms of boosting community involvement,” Symes said.

Steward Hore, Teresa Hore, Kerry Lanie, Patrick Cahill and Molly Hore. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Contributed
Samantha McLaughlin and Izzy Joyce enjoying the Benalla Gold Cup. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Contributed
Katrina Hope, Kara Taggert, Kate Nolan, Alanna Burnell, Hayley Marcinaik, Krissy Campbell and Kobi McDonald at the Benalla Gold Cup. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Contributed
Ainsley and Justin King at the Benalla Gold Cup. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Contributed
Hayley Marciniak and Kate Nolan enjoying the sun at the Benalla Gold Cup. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Contributed
Emily Sims and Mal Sabri at the Benalla Gold Cup. Photo: Simon Ruppert Photo by Contributed
Fashions on the Field judges Natasha Randall and Andy Wilson with the Melbourne Cup. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Contributed
Benalla Gold Cup 2024 Fashions on the Field Best Dressed Lady, Ash Mason, with sponsor Frank Stevens from Benalla Travel. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Contributed
Aymon Cooke, Ally Mertadana and Blake Vedertgang looking sharp at the Benalla Gold Cup. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Contributed
Shara Gillahan, Rachel Tharratt, Cara Hammond, Elise Cooke and baby Harvey Cook enjoying the Benalla Gold Cup. Photo: Simon Ruppert Photo by Simon Ruppert
Race fans get ready for the running of the Gold Cup in Benalla on Friday, September 27. Photo: Simon Ruppert Photo by Simon Ruppert
Punters keeping an eye on the big screen, with horses just out of sight during the Benalla Gold Cup. Photo: Simon Ruppert Photo by Simon Ruppert
The tiny tots on stage for the 2024 Benalla Gold Cup Fashions on the Field. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Contributed
Benalla jockey Brittany Button at the 2024 Benalla Gold Cup. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Contributed
Fashions on the Field at the 2024 Benalla Gold Cup was as competitive as ever. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Contributed
Some of the glamourous entries for the 2024 Benalla Gold Cup Fashions on the Field prepare to take the stage. Photo: Issie Hill Photo by Contributed