Perfect Spring weather welcomed punters as they arrived ahead of Race 1 for the 2023 Balaklava Cup. No one could have asked for a better setting for this historic listed provincial race. Anticipation was high ahead of a massive nine-race card with competitive fields throughout the day.
Marquees lined the iconic Balaklava straight, starting at the 400 metre mark and continuing all the way down to the finishing post. Spirits were high as the majority of attendees had a spring in their step and showcased amazing Spring colours and styles.
The highly contested Balaklava Cup Fashion at the Races was a highlight of the day. The competition was well support by a vocal crowd inside the main pavilion at the Racecourse. The battle for Best Dressed Gentleman was first up and didn’t disappoint with every entrant bringing their best race wear style. In the Best Dress Lady category, bright spring colours were on display with elegant dresses front and centre in the competition. The winner of Best Dress Lady took the sash with a stunning floral number with accompanying millinery.
On the track there was plenty of action throughout the day. Teagan Voorham claimed a double winning Race 1 and Race 6. Recently crowned John Letts Medallist, Jason ‘Stubby’ Holder, won Race 3 for the Andrew Gluyas stable aboard Just Joking at a starting price of $41. Apprentice jockeys Tayla Childs and Nichola Yuen each claimed a win during the day’s preceding. Outside of the race for the Balaklava Cup, the highlight of the day went to apprentice jockey Harri Ingram who claimed his maiden win in the last race of the day for Michael Hickmott aboard Mccain, with members of Michael Hickmott’s overcome with emotion as Harri’s took out his first win.
The Balaklava Cup did not disappoint as a strong field of sixteen runners battled it out over 1600 metres. Clarken Racing was looking to go back to back with this year’s entrant, Ironclad with experienced Victorian jockey Brad Rawiller in the saddle. Unusually there was no clear favourite which meant that a number of entrants could take the listed race. In the end Ironclad proved too strong and took the Cup after a strong ride from Brad Rawiller.
The 2023 Balaklava Cup will go down as an incredibly success and memorable day.
Check out some of the images from the day…
