By Kath Gannaway
THE Bairnsdale-trained Purge defeated seven rivals to win the Healesville Cup on Saturday.
Purge, ridden by Pakenham jockey Shane McGovern, staged an impressive performance before a large crowd at the picnic meeting.
Healesville Amateur Racing Club president John O’Neill estimated the attendance at more than 4000, an all-time record.
Ideal weather, matched by solid corporate and group bookings, contributed to the day’s success.
“We’ve had our biggest gate-takings today and had excellent fields,’’ said Mr O’Neill, who noted that picnic racing provided affordable family entertainment.
The grassroots nature of racing at Healesville was reflected in the race names. Race one, the Geoff McCormack (I Can’t Believe I’m 60) Maiden Handicap, was followed by the Chad Kopacz Open Trophy Race, with race three the Jakara Hendersons 21st Trophy Race.
Accepting the Fosters Australia Healesville Cup, Purge’s owner-trainer, Rod Hammond, paid tribute to his wife, who, he said, had put in a lot of work with the horse. Purge started $4 favourite and among those in his wake was the picnic champion Warrigal Tom.
