An unseasonably windy day on the west coast of the Eyre Peninsula wasn’t enough to deter a near one thousand strong crowd at the 2024 Streaky Bay Cup. A fantastic local day of racing with full support of the community saw a fantastic atmosphere all around the racecourse.
Action on the track was dominated by apprentice jockeys with all six races being taken out by either Ivy Lam, Jade Doyle or Polly Brewster. Ivy Lam claimed a riding treble early in the day showing strong riding form.
Jade Doyle won two races which moved her in front of Rochelle Milnes in the Bushy Trenowden Apprentice Series. It was a special moment for Jade as Bushy was her Great Uncle and was shared by Greg Irvine who presented her with the trophy.
Another highlight on the day was Polly Brewster claiming her first ever win as a jockey aboard Shakespeare to win the Streaky Bay Cup. Polly is an apprentice with Richard & Chantelle Jolly, and it was extra special that Richard Jolly had made the trip from Adelaide to Streaky Bay and was there to celebrate the win with Polly.
Winds clocking 60 kilometres per hour hit the track and caused large clouds of dust to move from the track and across where the spectators were however this didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.
Fashion at the Races was very well contested, with the Best Dressed Lady requiring two heats and a final to determine a winner.
The Streaky Bay Racing Club also celebrated its 110th anniversary and their commitment to the longevity of the club was recognised by Racing SA Chair Rob Rorrison and the club was presented with a certificate commemorating this milestone.
With the Streaky Bay Cup run and won, the Eyre Peninsula Cup Season has drawn to a close. There is one more race meeting on the Eyre Peninsula at Port Lincoln Racing Club on Sunday 7 April to close out the season before a well-earned break. After this, all eyes will shift to the Flinders and Northern region with their season starting at Port Augusta later in April.
