Former South Australian jockey Libby Hopwood will join punters trackside at this year’s Balaklava Cup when she officially swaps her silks for a touch of racing glamour.
She has been named the face of the Balaklava Cup after racing related injuries and strict doctors’ orders placed her out of competitive racing for the long term.
Libby, 29, said she is looking forward to frocking up for the occasion and was thrilled to be asked to attend as she wants to remain in touch with racing as best she can.
“My entire life has revolved around horses and I wish I could continue to race, but the risk is just too high. It’s okay though, I still get my fix from my horse Zorrin – the love of my life – and spend as much time with him as possible,” Ms Hopwood said.
“I didn’t think I would be focussing on a new career so soon but here I am doing my best. I am working on establishing myself in media now that my riding days are over. I am also studying public relations, which can be challenging due to the memory loss caused by my injury.”
Libby has been offered a three-month trial with Sky Racing in Sydney and will be moving shortly after the Balaklava Cup to pursue her new career.
The former jockey raced competitively for eight years between 2006 and 2014, clocking up over $5,700,000 in prize money and taking 324 wins from 3675 races.
Balaklava Racing Club Chairman Wayne Henson said the club was delighted to have Libby on board as the face of the Cup and expects a crowd of more than 8000 to attend.
“The Balaklava Cup is the official start of the spring racing season and South Australia’s premier country thoroughbred race meet,” Mr Henson said.
“We pride ourselves on offering the best opportunity for racegoers to let their hair down and have a bit of fun.”
Seven News weekend presenter and Fashion at The Races ambassador Jessica Adamson will host Balaklava’s Fashion at The Races heat and is looking forward to seeing the new season’s trends come to life.
Plenty of exciting changes have been made to this year’s fashion competition, with the refreshed format incorporating bigger cash prizes, recognition of men in the style stakes and an online voting system and style hub.
The winner of the Balaklava heat will take home a $1000 cash prize, plus a $2000 BNKR Voucher and a $1500 Kailis Pearl Necklace from James Thredgold Jewellers. But that’s not all; Runner up takes home a Media Makeup Prize Pack and the Best Millinery gets an Evo Hair Prize Pack. Gents aren’t excluded either with the Best Dressed Man winning a $3000 Voucher Tailors of Distinction and $200 M.J. Bale Voucher. Stylish couples are in the running for a $2500 Voucher from Photography Room and $1000 voucher from Hummer SA.
Entrants to Fashion at The Races must be 18 or over and are judged on originality and confidence, appropriateness of the outfit for the particular event, attention to detail with accessories, the ability to embrace current fashion trends, grooming and deportment.
2016 BALAKLAVA CUP
Date: Wednesday, 31 August
Cost: General admission $25
Transport: $35 per person return from various CBD locations. Contact the club for more information.
Gates open: 9am
Packages: Starting from $75 per person
Fashion: The Balaklava Cup is a Fashion at The Races qualifier, with the winner taking home a $1000 prize.
For more information, please visit www.balaklavaracingclub.com.au or call 8862 1503.
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