Sport
21 November, 2025
Local horse wins Bong Bong Cup
A local horse has taken out this year’s Bong Bong Cup.
A local horse has taken out this year’s Bong Bong Cup.
Valentine John crossed the finishing post first to deliver on a long-held dream for Fitzroy Falls couple Karen and Paul Shadbolt.
The horse, ridden to victory by Packenham Jockey Sebastian Galea, is trained by another local, Anthony Warren from Sutton Forest.
Mrs Shadbolt said a win at Bong Bong had always been a goal.
“Weve finally ticked that box,” she said.
Mrs Shadbolt described the Bong Bong Picnic Races as a “beautiful community event” and she was clearly ecstatic after the win.
She said it was a “privilege and treat” to win at such at a wonderful local event.
Mr Warren said Valentine John wasn’t even supposed to be running today after competing in Geelong last week.
He said the horse had recovered quickly and jockey Sebastian Gallea had done a “fantastic” job.
He said a win at Bong Bong had always been on the Shadbolt’s bucket list.
While the conditions at the Wyeera Racecourse were decidedly chilly for Friday’s meeting, some light showers throughout the day were not enough to dampen the enthusiasm of racing enthusiasts and fashionistas.
The Fashions on the Field again proved particularly popular with a large number of competitors and spectators.
Read More: Bowral, Southern Highlands