Five-year-old gelding Station One lived up to its name last Saturday, winning the Marong Cup at the Bendigo Apiam Racecourse on a day that epitomises country racing and family fun while raising funds for Catholic schools in the Bendigo area.  All of this topped off with fun rides and activities such as gold-panning and, in the background, the jubilant flair of a brass band.

Of the eight races of the day, it was the race between Race Three and Race Four, ran by two-legged fillies, colts, mares, stallions (and a few brumbies) which had the most potential to “stop the nation”.

The Marong Cup Schools' Challenge was fiercely contested by seven Catholic schools this year; each school forming a relay team of two teachers, two parents and two students who ran down the home straight while holding a cup of water. The changeovers as you can imagine were rather technical and cause for heightened anticipation, especially as teams have been disqualified in the past for having a cup half empty.

Although St Therese’s, Kennington came in first, they delivered an empty cup, which just won't do on a Cup Day. So, St Liborius', Eaglehawk and St Joseph’s, Quarry Hill were declared equal Challenge winners. They crossed the finish line at the same time – with their cups half full and above the blue line.

Tom Maher, Marong Racing Club President explained the rules of the race. “This year the Club wanted to make sure that the Schools' Challenge was a race, not a walk. “In recent years there has been a focus on not losing water, especially since some of the faster teams had been disqualified for losing too much water. So, this year, we drew a blue line on the cup and participants were told that they could lose a bit of water, but water had to be over the blue line.”

This year, St Liborius', Eaglehawk; St Peter’s, North Bendigo; St Kilian’s Bendigo; St Therese’s, Kennington; St Joseph’s, Quarry Hill; Holy Rosary, White Hills; and St Monica’s, Kangaroo Flat competed in the Schools' Challenge which has been generously sponsored by Bendigo Voice and Data for many years.

For 25 years, the Marong Cup has raised significant funds for participating Catholic schools who have helped to staff the ticketing box, entry gate and kiosk with volunteers from their parent bodies. The Marong Racing Club works hard to ensure the Marong Cup Day not only raises funds for Catholic schools, but that it fosters community through participation, service and fun.

“The Marong Cup is a great day out for families. It’s a fantastic opportunity for parents and children to connect with their school community and meet people,” said Tom Maher. “We’re working hard to make sure the day gets better and better. Next year we hope to have at least three water rides, so don’t forget your towel!”

Note: A Biped (pronounced bi-ped) is a two-legged animal, such as a human being.

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