A passionate group of harness racing people who love spending time together at the track will be chasing back-to-back Flying Brick Cider Co. Geelong Pacing Cup wins on Saturday night.
The Glenlyon Syndicate consists of 14 people, most of whom are trackside when their star gelding named It Is Billy is racing at venues right across Victoria.
Syndicate manager Vincent Hayes described trots ownership as “terrific fun” and a “great social occasion” every time It Is Billy runs.
“Usually about any 10 of the 14 syndicate members are trackside to cheer him on,” Hayes said.
“It’s terrific, really. It’s a great social get-together. We all come from different occupations but we really thoroughly enjoy getting to the track.”
It Is Billy is trained in Daylesford by Michael Barby and driven by his wife Anne-Maree Conroy. The eight-year-old bay has won 19 races from 58 starts for over $200,000 in stakemoney.
On Saturday night It Is Billy will be chasing his second consecutive Geelong Cup win a night after the horse he beat in last year’s race, Hectorjayjay, starts a commanding favourite in the $1 million Inter Dominion Final in Perth.
It is Billy will have his usual enthusiastic cheer squad trackside but sadly it will be minus Mark Leonard, who was on hand for last year’s Geelong Cup, as he passed away recently.
“About a month ago we lost Mark, which was very sad. His wife took over the ownership. They always came to the track. She’s already said she’ll be there, so Billy will be running in his honour,” Hayes said.
From barrier three It Is Billy is sure to get a nice run in Saturday night’s $30,000 Group 3 feature event over 2570 metres. It will be his third run back from a spell.
“He’s been racing against really good horses and he just ran out of puff a bit last time,” Hayes said.
“Win, lose or draw we’ll be there having a lot of fun. It’s not just that the trots is more affordable than the gallopers, you also find it’s more of a family thing and more friendly. You can get to the stalls and talk to your trainer and driver. It’s just great.”
Meanwhile, another Billy, Cats star Billy Brownless, will be signing footballs and mingling with the crowd on Saturday night, plus there will be live music, gourmet food trucks, the trots virtual reality experience, punters’ club and heaps of free kids’ entertainment.
The first race is at 6.38pm and event details are at trotscountry.com.au
Cody Winnell (HRV Media/Communications Manager)