Geraldton Cup a success at Ascot: Minister

23/4/01
On Saturday, April 21, Western Australian Racing Minister Nick Griffiths and local MLA Shane Hill attended the Geraldton Cup at Ascot Racecourse. Wayne Clarkeson, committee member of the Geraldton Turf Club, hosted the event and welcomed the Minister and Mr Hill to the running of the cup.
The feature race was run over 2,200m at Ascot as the Geraldton club's track is currently under rehabilitation. No race meetings have been held on the course since the track surface was deemed unsafe in 1999.
The Geraldton Cup was won by Sir Donald, part owned and trained by Garry Delane. Mr Delane lived in Geraldton before he shifted to the Great Southern District. The winning jockey was Daniel Staeck.
The connection of all eight winners on the program each received a parcel of crayfish taken from waters off Geraldton.
Mr Griffiths announced that racing would resume on Geraldton's reconstructed track in the new season starting in October.
"As a result of more than $800,000 in grants from the Racecourse Development Trust, the Geraldton track will be brought back to top condition," he said.
"This has been a unique and historical occasion for the Geraldton Cup - probably the one and only time it will be held at Ascot. I will look forward to visiting the new track in Geraldton when it is completed."
Local MLA Shane Hill said the new track would make a major difference to the future of country racing in Geraldton.
"The Geraldton Cup is a key event for the country racing community," Mr Hill said.
"The new track will mean the future of racing in Geraldton is secure."
Media contact: Melissa Robinson 9222 8950