By Luke Voogt
Police have praised Geelong Cup revellers for their behaviour after making only four arrests in an estimated crowd of 13,000.
Officers arrested two patrons in relation to intoxication and two men following a minor fight, Acting Inspector Michael Harvey said.
“There were a couple of drunken men who got into a scuffle with another man and the matter is being investigated,” he said.
“We only had to speak to four people which out of (13,000) is not a bad reflection on the behaviour of the crowd.”
Act Insp Harvey ran a command post at Geelong Racecourse throughout the day.
He praised race management and the crowd for the behaviour.
“Over the years it has improved quite a lot,” he said.
“They all seemed to be there to enjoy themselves and enjoy the races.”
Geelong Racing Club chief executive officer Daniel Salter said about 13,000 people watched the race.
“But it’s a bit too early to finalise that information. It’s certainly the highest in my time in the past four or five years.”
Victorian Racing Minister Martin Pakula attended the cup to announce $1 million for a new sand training track and irrigation system.
“Hopefully that’s going in before Christmas,“ Mr Salter said.
“It’s a big boost to all the local trainers in and around Geelong.”
Vengeur Masque took out this year’s cup with one punter reportedly winning $80,000.
Geelong twins Alannah and Taylah Matchett also had wins, albeit the smaller sum of $100 each, thanks to a bilingual connection.
“My sister and I both picked the winner,” Alannah said.
“It was a French name and we’re both learning French.”
The 18-year-olds attended the cup for the first time after just finishing year 12.
“It was an awesome atmosphere and I’d love to go again,” Alannah said.
“I expected worse (behaviour), to be honest, but I didn’t see anybody too bad.”
East Geelong mum Cass Parskis won the coveted Women’s Classic Racewear title while Craig Bone took out the men’s prize.
Allie Guy was Local Lady of the Day, Danny Archer was Local Lad of the Day and Peta Bell won Best Headware.
