Port Lincoln07 Aug 2010
Tour Ambassador, John Marshall with the 2010 Emirates Melbourne Cup and the Makybe Diva statue
Following a good rest the Cup and its entourage boarded another charter flight on Saturday, 7 August, to head to Port Lincoln, home of three-time Melbourne Cup champion mare, Makybe Diva.
Despite some turbulent warnings, the pilot made a safe and sound landing at the Port Lincoln airport, where the crew was met by Ian McCleary, CEO of the Port Lincoln Racing Club.
The Tour crew’s mass amounts of luggage presented a problem when the only car available for hire was a small hatchback; however on ground airport staff were delighted to meet the team escorting the Cup, and drove the luggage into town.
Dr Andrew Lemon and John Marshall made a special in-studio appearance at the local radio station, 5CC, where the program’s hosts were thrilled to get a glimpse of the150th Melbourne Cup trophy.
After checking-in to the Hilton Motel, the Tour crew proceeded to Lincoln Grove Estate Retirement Village where Dr Lemon provided guests with an insight to the significance of this year’s 150th Melbourne Cup and Port Lincoln’s connection to the races’ history.
Tour Ambassador, John Marshall entertained the residents with his reflection of his Melbourne Cup ride on Rogan Josh, where the audience had prepared questions for the champion jockey. Before heading off to its next stop, the Tour crew enjoyed a lovely spread of sweet and savoury treats for morning tea.
Ian then escorted the Tour crew to the Port Lincoln racecourse, where the group were treated to a guided tour and shots by the winning post.
The iconic trophy then visited Matthew Flinders Aged Care Day Centre, where guests were eagerly awaiting their chance for a photo with the Cup and John Marshall.
Andrew Lemon was delighted to see that staff had prepared local racing memorabilia and speak with one of the first registered female horse trainers, Miss Kye Lavington, who presented the original certificate of registration from Darwin Turf Club in 1960-61. John Marshall provided each guest with an autographed Emirates cap, which guests were excited to keep as a memento of the occasion.
The Cup was then due for a visit to Port Lincoln’s greatest landmark, the Makybe Diva statue, a backdrop that provided tourists and locals with the perfect scene to represent the town’s connection to the Melbourne Cup.
The Tour entourage then spruced up and made its way to the Port Lincoln Hotel, where the Cup joined the Port Lincoln Racing Club Committee for a fabulous dinner. As special guests on the evening, Dr Lemon and John Marshall shared racing stories and provided personal insights into the magic of the Cup with the group.
Following the main course, John Marshall and the Cup ventured upstairs where Port Lincoln Hotel owner, Mark Ricciuto, former Adelaide Crows Captain and 2003 Brownlow medallist, was hosting the local Tasman Football Club’s annual black-tie dinner.
The luxurious venue catered to more than 200 guests, and the sport enthusiasts were keen to rub shoulders with famous jockey, John Marshall, and the famous golden trophy. The evening ended with a few tipples, before the group farewelled the Port Lincoln Racing Club and looked forward to its visit to Jamestown tomorrow morning.
9:30am -9:45am: Radio Interview with 5CC Sport Show
10:00AM – 11:30am: Visit Lincoln Grove Estate Retirement Village for morning tea
12:00pm – 1:30pm: Visit Matthew Flinders Aged Care Home
2:00pm- 3:00pm: Visit Makybe Diva Bronze statue for public viewing
6:00pm – Late: Port Lincoln Racing Club Dinner / Cocktail Party
*Please note that the above details may change closer to or on the day of the event
