By BRIDGET COOK
JUMPS jockey Trent Wells might be the butt of every joke at the moment after he lost a bet and had to promote the TAB Cranbourne Cup dressed as a horse last week.
The Cranbourne Turf Club set up an exhibit at Centro Cranbourne on Friday to promote this weekend’s cup carnival to the community with ticket and merchandise giveaways.
There was also some entertainment on offer with jumps jockey and Cranbourne track rider Mr Wells dressed as ‘Knackers’ the horse after losing a bet.
Turf club marketing manager Charlotte Littlefield said the bet came about after terrible weather leading into the race day on 19 September.
“Everyone was doubting whether Cranbourne would hold the races, being a heavy 10 and still pouring with rain,” she said.
“Trent tweeted ‘if the races go ahead, I will ride track work naked tomorrow #notgonnahappen’.
“Well we went ahead with the races.
“Trent was then advised by stewards not to ride naked, so he tweeted ‘looking for an alternative’.
“We responded for him to dress as Knackers the horse and help promote Cranbourne Cup Carnival.
“He took a bit of convincing, but we got him over the line.”
The cup carnival kicks off tomorrow (Friday) night with the Inglis Pinker Pinker $100,000 Plate.
Aside from a night of top racing, there will also be an array of entertainment for the launch of the Brown’s Sawdust and Shavings Night Racing Season.
International DJ Steve Bleas will be dusting off the stage and providing some uplifting beats for the launch of the new Carlton Draught Beer Garden on the night.
Kids are encouraged to attend the races and witness their favourite jockeys dash past the winning post and in between races there will be free rides and entertainment to keep the little ones occupied.
Sunday plays host to the infamous TAB Cranbourne Cup which attracts some of the best spring horses and trainers.
A highlight of cup day is Fashions on the Field, sponsored by Myer.
There’s more than $5000 in prizes up for grabs in the Myer Lady of the Day and Myer Man of the Day categories.
