SWAN Hill’s racing community was treated to a visit from Melbourne Cup winning trainer Darren Weir during his homecoming tour to northern Victoria.
Weir brought runners to the Swan Hill Jockey Club meet on Thursday, but the day was about seeing old faces and reminiscing about Prince of Penzance’s historic victory.
During the day, Weir and strapper Stevie Payne met with students from the Swan Hill Specialist School before the races got underway.
Growing up in Berriwillick, Weir said he has always had a connection with the Swan Hill region and was happy to bring his most prestigious prize to the town.
“It is really nice to be able to bring the cup over and let the people have a look at it,” he said.
“I wanted to show it to the people I grew up with and also all the people from the racing community in Swan Hill.
“It is terrific to be at home and I have had a good day.”
Weir has a close friendship with Swan Hill trainer Austy Coffey and the two spent time to enjoy the spoils.
“I have seen Austy and spent a bit of time with him, it was really good,” he told The Guardian.
“It has been great being down here and I couldn’t be happier with the way the week has gone and today topped it off beautifully.”
With all the fanfare away from the track, Weir was unable to win Thursday’s meet after Con Kelly-trained horse Lethal Arrow crossed the finish line in first place.
