TAB Cup a major draw

By Bridget Cook
THE largest crowds in recent history flocked to the Cranbourne Turf Club on Sunday for one of the biggest events on Casey’s calendar – the TAB Cranbourne Cup.
About 10,000 people came through the gates, with the sunny weather playing a huge role in crowd numbers.
Cranbourne trainer Mick Kent experienced some hometown glory when he had a quinella in the Cranbourne Cup. His horse Starmon, ridden by Glen Boss, beat a tight field of horses and just beat his stable mate My Bentley across the line in the $175,000 race. It was Mr Kent’s first Cranbourne Cup win.
But it wasn’t just about the horses on the day, with Fashions on the Field turning many heads and a concert by Gabriella Cilmi taking centre stage after the last race.
About 100 contestants, both men and women, took part in the Fashions on the Field event judged by 2008 Miss Universe Australia Laura Dundovic, the face of this year’s Country’s Best Dressed Racegoer competition Bree Laughlin and multiple winner of Fashions on the Field competitions across Victoria Caryl Browell.
The day was topped off by a one-hour concert by international singing sensational Gabrilla.
Cranbourne Turf Club chief executive Neil Bainbridge said it was the biggest crowd he had seen at the Cup.
“The weather played a big part, it’s not often you get blessed with the weather we got,” he said.
“I’ve been talking to people who have been coming to the Cup for many years, and they have all said it was the biggest crowd they have seen.’
He said it was great to receive such great support from both the local community, and those who come far and wide to attend the event.
“It just keeps continuing to grow in stature, not only as a great event, but also as a great race,” he said.
Mr Bainbridge said the Gabriella performance was a major drawcard for the event.
“It just added another dimension to what already is a great day,” he said.