CEO says moving Jungle Juice Cup is a risk which paid off

Cessnock racecourse looked spectacular for the Jungle Juice Cup on Friday, attracting a big local crowd.

MOVING the Jungle Juice Cup from July to October has paid off according to Newcastle Jockey Club CEO Matt Benson.

A crowd of over 1,000 flocked to the Cessnock track, located in the NSW Hunter Valley, on Friday to cheer on a field of 13 in the $35,000 feature, which was first run in 1982 and is the biggest event on the Wine Country Race Club calendar

“We are really pleased that Racing NSW were supportive with moving the race to a Friday,” Benson told Horse Betting.

“Traditionally the Jungle Juice Cup has been in July on a Tuesday and the reality is that in winter and during the middle of the week it is hard to attract people to the event.

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“We’ve been blessed with the weather – obviously we’d love some rain to water everything but as far as a day for the crowds it is perfect.

“We are delighted with the result today. It looks like we have got around the 1100 mark through the gates which is pleasing for our first try on a Friday. I think we can use that for a base to develop the numbers in the future.”

Benson also praised track staff which had the course looking spectacular despite many months with basically zero rainfall in the Cessnock area.

“Our course curator Steve Tapp has done an amazing job. When its dry like it has been it can be a difficult job to keep the track in top condition but full credit to him – it is perfect for the races today.”

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