HORSE RACING
By LIAM DURKIN
IS there a new truism in Gippsland racing?
Does it now always rain on cup day regardless of venue?
Regardless, rain seemed to matter little to patrons attending Latrobe Valley Racing Club for the Traralgon Cup last Sunday.
As far as most people were concerned, as long as there was horses going around Glenview Park and a full meeting was held, the day would be a success.
The 2025 Traralgon Cup ended up being much more than that – it was a celebration, and possible statement to anyone questioning if Traralgon is indeed a ‘real racing town’.
Spectators came to enjoy not only racing, but first rate hospitality, locally catered food, and a number of elevated viewing experiences.
Rain became something of a moot point, as heavy downpours only lasted a few minutes before clearing.
Kids didn’t seem to mind, enjoying the opportunity to splash about in the mud – gumboots on of course.
Inside marquees, people took time to kick back and relax, while also belting out some tunes as the afternoon rolled on.
An acoustic version of The Angels’ signature song and the well-known audience response during the chorus was hard to miss.
Members and guests were able to put their feet up in the upstairs function room, treated to a scrumptious two-course feed, before Latrobe Valley Racing Club Chairperson himself Frank Bezzina passed around plates of deserts – one of his many roles on the day.
His fellow committee members were also busy, especially Jack of all trades Ian Davison, who graciously gave up his spot at the chairperson’s function in order to be on deck should anything need tending to.
Such generosity from all committee members ensured a successful Traralgon Cup.
NO refunds!
Those were the cheeky words of Latrobe Valley Racing Club Chairperson Frank Bezzina as soon as the gates flung open to start the first race on Traralgon Cup day.
Such sentiments were appropriate given everything the luckless club has been through in recent years.
Sunday marked the first time in three years Latrobe Valley had been able to host both its annual meetings – Derby Day and the Traralgon Cup.
Last year’s Traralgon Cup was washed out, while the 2023 Derby Day meeting was also abandoned.
Bezzina has been at the forefront through all of it, needing to put on a brave face after no doubt countless sleepless nights trying to inject positivity into the volunteer-run club.
His passion was justifiably evident at the weekend, revelling in the chance to welcome patrons back to experience racing at Glenview Park.
Of course, a leader is only as good as those they lead, and Bezzina wished to thank his crew for the power of work put in behind the scenes.
“After the start, I thought ‘here we go’, we’ve done it … all that hard work,” he said through a beaming smile after the feature race.
“We had 900 people, I’m happy with that. The main thing is we got through. The track held up, we’ve had a lot of rain, eight mill today, and we had 30 yesterday (Saturday). Yarra Valley got called off so we got through, I’m really happy. Jockeys said it was tough going but it held up.”
Bezzina admitted to nerves as rain fell last week, threatening to deny the club once more.
“It’s been a couple of months of stress, it gets a little bit overwhelming but we got there,” he said.
“Great committee, it’s a big team effort. Everyone’s worked hard and it’s made it all worth it.
“We’ve had everything prepared, we’ve really planned this one, we were well and truly ahead of ourselves.”
Bezzina also wished to acknowledge support received from Country Racing Victoria, local MPs and representatives from fellow Gippsland racing clubs, who were all in attendance.
The future of racing at Glenview Park remains shrouded in some uncertainty, with the club told it may need to vacate within the next five years.
If Sunday was any indication however, Latrobe Valley Racing Club isn’t going anywhere.
“We’ve been here 111 years, we’ll be here for another 111,” Bezzina declared.
