2014 Ballarat Cup Day worth $1 Million
In a huge boost for country racing in Western Victoria the Ballarat Turf Club (BTC) will increase prizemoney to a total of $1 million for the 2014 Ballarat Cup meeting on Saturday 22nd November in Ballarat.
The standalone Saturday meeting will be headlined by the $200,000 Ballarat Cup and the $200,000 Magic Millions Clockwise Classic, with another $37,500 in bonuses and trophies on offer for connections.
Ballarat Turf Club CEO, Lachlan McKenzie, said that the additional prizemoney was a major boost for the Club and the meeting’s standalone status was a further indicator of the desire of the industry to showcase country racing to a broader audience.
‘Prizemoney of $1 million at a regional race meeting is a fantastic achievement for our Club and is testimony to the importance of Ballarat Cup meeting on the racing calendar,’ McKenzie said.
‘The increased prizemoney will ensure that our premier raceday is supported by Australia’s leading trainers and jockeys and that the race fields are very strong. Ballarat is the premier regional racing track in Victoria and the $1 million prizemoney will further boost the profile of our Club and our major race meeting.’
The announcement of $1 million prizemoney for the 2014 Ballarat Cup Day caps off a significant increase in prizemoney for the race meeting over the last four years. The following table outlines the growth in prizemoney at the Ballarat Cup meeting since 2011:
| Year | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
| Total Prizemoney: | $465,000 | $625,000 | $765,000 | $1,000,000 |
McKenzie explained that the significant increase in prizemoney is largely due to the ongoing support of sponsor Magic Millions.
“Magic Millions have been instrumental in the growth of the Ballarat Cup meeting in recent years. Their commitment to support their clients and the racing and breeding industries in Victoria has been highlighted by their continued support of our Cup day. We are very grateful for the support from Magic Millions.”
McKenzie added that support from the Napthine Government and Racing Victoria through the introduction of the VOBIS Gold Eureka Stockade had enabled the Club to reach the $1 million prizemoney.
“The change to a Saturday meeting and the $1 million prizemoney on offer will make the day very appealing for racing enthusiasts from around the state and the broader local community,” McKenzie said.
“The standalone Saturday Ballarat Cup day will provide a significant boost to the local tourism operators and the region generally. Anyone wishing to attend is advised to book accommodation and raceday packages early as we have received unprecedented interest already and today’s boost will only lead to increased demand.”
2014 Ballarat Day Program
The 10-race program for Ballarat Cup Day will be as follows:
| # | Race Name | Distance | Bonus | Prizemoney |
| 1 | SITA Australia Benchmark 70 Hcp | 1600m |
$50,000 |
|
| 2 | Tracy The Placement People BM70 Hcp | 2300m |
$60,000 |
|
| 3 | Isuzu Benchmark 84 Handicap | 1400m |
$50,000 |
|
| 4 | Magic Millions 3yo Classic | 1100m | Super VOBIS |
$100,000 |
| 5 | Magic Millions Clockwise Classic | 1000m | Super VOBIS |
$200,000 |
| 6 | Thomas Jewellers VOBIS Gold Eureka Stockade | 1400m | Super VOBIS |
$100,000 |
| 7 | Open Mares Handicap | 1200m |
$80,000 |
|
| 8 | Ballarat Cup (Listed) | 2200m |
$200,000 |
|
| 9 | Redbank Open Handicap | 1600m |
$80,000 |
|
| 10 | City Of Ballarat Tonks Plate | 1200m |
$80,000 |
|
| TOTAL: |
$1,000,000 |
Visit the 2014 Ballarat Cup page at premier feature race website Horse Racing Info for more information on the Ballarat Cup.
