Cranbourne Turf Club (CTC) has announced local apprentice jockeys Caitlin Hollowood and Matt Chadwick as its 2023 Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup ambassadors.
The CTC is about to embark on the biggest and brightest part of its racing calendar, with the $100,000 Pinker Pinker Plate (2025m) to take place this Friday 13 October, under lights, before the build up begins to the $500,000 Listed Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup (1600m) on Saturday 25 November.
Hollowood and Chadwick are residents of Cranbourne and can be found most mornings riding trackwork at the world-renowned Cranbourne Training Centre.
Hollowood, 24, grew up with horses and has long dreamt of becoming a jockey.
She recently rode her first career winner at Cranbourne and is no stranger to Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup Day, having been trackside as Uncle Bryn claimed the 2022 edition for her masters Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young.
“Our stable winning the cup last year was so rewarding…it was such a thrill,” she said.
“The Cranbourne Cup has an amazing atmosphere and I’ve really enjoyed it every time I’ve gone.”
Chadwick, also 24, only began riding horses five years ago and is now at home riding for the powerful Mick Price/Michael Kent Junior training partnership at Cranbourne.
Price will be aiming for a third Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup victory following his success with Pakal (2013) and Octabello (2018) prior to forming the partnership with Michael Kent Junior.
“I’ve always enjoyed a day at the races,” Chadwick said.
“I was very lucky that before I got into the racing industry that I spent a lot of time going to the races with school mates and it’s probably more so now.
“It’s really nice to be able to put a suit on, dress up a little bit and enjoy a day out.
“It’s our home town cup so it means a bit to us.
“They’ll all be down here on cup day enjoying the day.”
Cranbourne Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Neil Bainbridge said the club was delighted to not only have two highly regarded young members of the local riding ranks representing the club ahead of its biggest day, but to have them represent the racing industry to the local community.
“The racing industry attracts people of all ages and a variety of backgrounds to Cranbourne, with more than 1590 employed in the industry and it contributes more than $207.1million in economic activity to the City of Casey.
“Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup Day is the biggest social event in the City of Casey, a celebration of all that is great about our sport.
“We’re delighted to have Caitlin and Matt represent the club as we prepare to host the biggest race day in the club’s history.”
Limited hospitality packages remain for the Ladbrokes Cranbourne Cup; tickets can be purchased online at www.cranbourneturfclub.com.au, or by calling the office on 5996 1300.
