Diamanda has claimed this year’s Balnarring Cup, carrying a record weight to a dominant victory in front of a large Australia Day crowd at Emu Plains.
The nine-year-old mare, owned and trained by Crib Point resident Michael Binney, carried 77 kilograms to win the feature race, the heaviest weight ever carried by a mare to win the Balnarring Cup. The second-placed runner carried 69 kilograms.
Bred by the Binney family, Diamanda started the race as both betting and course favourite. She went straight to the lead from the barriers and was never challenged, winning comfortably by four lengths.
From winless starts to Cup winner
Diamanda’s victory capped a long progression for the mare, who failed to win a race in more than 20 early starts before improving steadily with age.
Her Cup win was widely regarded on course as one of the standout moments of the day.
Hometown success for long-time volunteer
The result was a hometown victory for Binney, who has been involved with the Balnarring Picnic Racing Club for more than 30 years. He stepped down from the club’s committee last year after more than 25 years of volunteer service, much of it spent overseeing track maintenance and race day preparation.
“Michael Binney’s connection to Balnarring racing spans decades, and his involvement has gone well beyond training horses. His long service to the Balnarring Picnic Racing Club and to the wider community made this win particularly meaningful.”
Said committee member Kate Roper.
Binney has previously received a mayoral commendation for community service, including his long-term involvement with the Crib Point Football Club.
His late wife, Margaret, was also active in community volunteering, including assisting with meal support for vulnerable residents.
Family connections and Australia Day recognition
Diamanda was bred by the Binney family and named by Margaret Binney, who also designed the family’s racing colours.
As the topweight in this year’s Cup, Diamanda carried Australian flag colours in recognition of Australia Day.
Her sire is Golden Snake and her dam Miss Glitter.
Further cause for celebration came earlier in the day when Binney’s grandson, Kayne Barton, received a Commendation for Community Service at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s Australia Day ceremony at Flinders Hall.
Large crowd at Emu Plains
Cup day drew a strong crowd to the Balnarring Picnic Races, with fine weather and full fields contributing to a busy day at the Emu Plains racecourse.
Diamanda’s win was met with loud applause from spectators lining the track, as connections and family celebrated the milestone victory.
All images have seen supplied
