Earlier in the day, Elliptical produced a big finish to win the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m), a key lead up to the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday 4 March.
Elliptical is part-owned by AFL Premiership player Lachie Hunter who joined former AFL legend Jobe Watson as winning owners on the day, with Watson’s mare Annavisto winning the Group 3 Tony Bourke Memorial (1400m).
The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) acknowledged the recent passing of Deane Lester with flags at half-mast while the Victorian Jockeys Association showed their respects with all riders in race 3 wearing a black armband. Deane will be permanently acknowledged though the renaming of the Deane Lester Flemington Cup, a race close to Deane’s heart that is run in July every year at Flemington.
Jockey Jye McNeil paid tribute to his close friend and mentor Deane Lester by sporting socks with Deane’s initials and speaking highly of him after winning race 1 aboard So You See.
3AW’s Ross Stevenson’s popular Love Letter to Racing event returned to The Peak, featuring a host of special guests reading aloud their ‘Love Letter to Racing’. Speakers included commentator Michael Felgate, racing expert John “Dr Turf” Rothfield, journalist and presenter Kate Watts, and racing analyst Michael Sharkie. Champion jockey Craig Williams also delighted guests with a surprise appearance at the event where he spoke about his passion for racing and respect for the horse.