2022 Geraldton Gold Cup quieter than usual but enjoys good turnout despite COVID fears

Although WA has open borders and no lockdown, the Geraldton Gold Cup was quieter than previous years — but there was still a great turnout at Geraldton Turf Club on Sunday. Perth raider Sugar Cain spoiled the party for the local contenders, taking honours in the main race, the Geraldton Gold Cup. First prize money was almost $55,000, while local horse Black Money, trained by Graeme Hammarquist, took home $8800 in coming third. With COVID making its presence felt around Geraldton, the fear of catching the virus is sure to have kept some punters at home. The Geraldton Turf Club said that due to COVID and all the restrictions, they had made the event a basic one, scrapping the Fashions on the Field competition and keeping the event low-key to avoid the spread. But those who did turn up were dressed to impress, and had a ball with family, friends and partners regardless. Gordon Pattern-trained local horse Bangcrash kept punters happy crossing the post first in race four, given it was paying $93.30 to win. Another local horse Corn Cob, owned and trained by Julia Martin, won race seven paying $7.50. The final race was won by Geraldton horse, The Singing Tiger, trained by Gordon Spowart.