Bendigo16 Aug 2010
Tour Ambassador, Pat Hyland with President of Bendigo Jockey Club, Brendan Dreshcler and the Cup
Two weeks into the 2010 Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour, the golden trophy was due to visit Bendigo today, Monday, 16 August, to pay tribute to the regional city’s contribution to the Australian racing industry.
Legendary race caller, Mr John Russell, and Melbourne Cup winning jockey turned successful trainer, Mr Pat Hyland, joined the Tour party for its visit to Bendigo, sharing their personal memories of their experiences with the Melbourne Cup.
The Bendigo Jockey Club’s President, Brendan Dreschler met the Tour crew in the city centre before beginning the day’s eventful morning at Girton Grammar School.
Junior school staff were treated to a private viewing of the golden trophy over morning tea before the Tour crew addressed the senior school students at a question and answer session.
The school also staged an assembly for more than 400 junior school students in the library, where the Tour Ambassadors were questioned about the intricacies of the Melbourne Cup history and children gaped in awe of the iconic trophy.
Following a private lunch in town, the Tour crew visited St John of God Hospital where patients and staff gathered in the auditorium area for their chance to take a photos with the Tour Ambassadors and the 2010 Emirates Melbourne Cup.
The afternoon included a visit to St Francis of the Field Primary School, where Father Joe Taylor blessed the trophy to ensure the Tour has safe and successful journey in the lead up to the running of the 150th Melbourne Cup.
Mr Russel drew attention with his race call reenacting Mr Hyland’s 1985 Melbourne Cup win, and Mr Hyland was questioned about his insight into riding and training horses.
The Tour crew then went on to visit Bendigo Retirement Village for afternoon tea, where social event organizer and resident, Norma Cook’s enthusiasm in the lead up to the Cup’s visit, encouraged more than 50 residents to gather to see the iconic Cup.
The day’s events wrapped up with a spectacular cocktail party hosted by the Bendigo Jockey Club at Mint Bar and Restaurant, where more than 130 guests enjoyed delicious finger food whilst being entertained by the Tour Ambassadors’ Melbourne Cup stories.
After farewelling the friendly Bendigo community, the Tour crew packed up to return home to Melbourne with the 2010 Emirates Melbourne Cup.
10:30am – 10:45am: Morning Tea with Junior School Staff
10:55am – 11:15am: Library viewing for Senior School students with Q&A
11:15am – 12:15pm: Junior School Assembly
1:00pm – 2:00pm: Visit Bendigo Hospital
2:00pm – 3:00pm: Visit St Francis of the Fields
3:30pm – 4:30pm: Visit Bendigo Retirement Village for afternoon tea
6:00pm – 8:00pm: Cocktail Party with the Bendigo Jockey Club
*Please note that the above details may change closer to or on the day of the event
