Stony Creek Cup puts on a thriller for delighted fans
THERE was jubilation and celebration on Sunday at Stony Creek Racing Club as crowd favourite Flambeur took home the prestigious 2100 metre Ladbrokes Stony Creek Cup pocketing his owners the coveted $85,000 in prize money. Three of the seven-year-old...
THERE was jubilation and celebration on Sunday at Stony Creek Racing Club as crowd favourite Flambeur took home the prestigious 2100 metre Ladbrokes Stony Creek Cup pocketing his owners the coveted $85,000 in prize money.
Three of the seven-year-old Gelding’s owners were on hand to watch as he crossed the finish line, rejoicing as the trophies were presented.
“We had such a great day,” owners, Glenn Deoki, Peter Harrington and Peter Bonnett explained.
“We cannot believe it.”
“We want to thank the trainer, and we’d like to thank the syndicate and team,” Glenn added.
“It doesn’t matter how hard you try you cannot stop the chop.”
The euphoria was not restricted to the owners either as Flambeur’s jockey Craig ‘Froggy’ Newitt celebrated the Cup triumph.
“It was terrific – I have been riding for 23 years and haven’t been able to win one, so it’s a pleasure to win,” Froggy said.
“I have been here all season and to the racing clubs credit the tracks raced in perfect order all season.
“My bloke is down from Sydney and not many Sydney horses’ race here so it’s a nice difference – it was good and worked out well.”
In other results, Prancing Spirit took out the Fish Creek Hotel Maiden Plate (race one), whilst Innerbloom finished 0.4 lengths in front of Bing’s Dream to claim the Williams Tracy & Associates Maiden Plate.
Ridden by young gun Ben Allen Misspoke claimed the Leongatha Rural Supplies Maiden Plate for race three, followed by Riverside Special in race four – Meeniyan Hotel 0-58 Hcp.
King’s Chamber, Romania and Onehundred Percent claimed the Dr Michael Bourke OAM Memorial BM64 Handicap, Danny O’Brien MP 0-58 Handicap and Brandt Leongatha 0-58 Handicap respectively.
But the action wasn’t limited to on track with plenty of fun and entertainment off field.
“Today went really well – I am very happy,” Stony Creek Racing Club CEO Adam Olszanski smiled.
“It’s my second Cup as CEO. We had a big event last year, but there were a few things I felt could have been improved and this year was a lot smoother.
“The weather was terrific – the perfect 22 degrees no wind, slightly overcast and the racing was very competitive with a great mix of attendees. The cup was a good race with a favourite winning. Craig Newitt is well known at Stony Creek and has a knack for performing consistently well.”
From family events to a buck’s party – who took out the best dressed group – the track also played host to a wedding prior to the day’s races on Sunday.
“A lot of people are making Stony Creek a venue for them to celebrate the important moments,” Adam added.
“Everyone has been well behaved and having a good time at an event that brings the community together.
“I am proud of the small team we have who have put everything together and the community who continue to get behind the event and volunteer their time for their organisations.”
Master couture milliner Peter Jago and high fashion stylist Hilda Simonds were back for their fourth year judging the highly anticipated Influence Clothing Fashions on the Field.
“The girls have been exemplary, and the hats are beyond belief,” Peter stated excitability.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to be here today.”
“The standards have been very high but suitable for country and having the support of local fashion (businesses) ensures this is possible and provides an avenue for high fashion,” Hilda added.
