Neil Bainbridge, the newly appointed CEO of the Cranbourne and Pakenham ‘super club,’ has announced that the Pakenham Cup will reclaim its status as a standalone Saturday event by late 2024.
The Cup had deviated from its traditional summer schedule to a Thursday night slot in the autumn, but plans are underway to reinstate it to its coveted year-end position as early as 2024.
“What will happen and what has been guaranteed is that the Pakenham Cup will return to a standalone Saturday and that’s important,” Bainbridge said.
“That date’s being worked through at the moment. The date is for the 24/25 season, obviously the current racing season dates have been done.
“It’s the view of the new committee that the Pakenham Cup rightfully deserves a standalone Saturday in the late part of 2024.”
The Pakenham Cup, celebrating its centenary, will be conducted under lights on February 29 next year.
This novel approach could potentially see two Cups staged within a single calendar year, marking a historic milestone for the esteemed race.
