The “Weir train” made the trip from Victoria’s west through Melbourne to Moe last Thursday for central Gippsland’s biggest race day with a team of 11 gallopers, returning with three winners including progressive stayer Sixties Groove in the $150,000 Moe Optical Cup (2050m).
With three of the nine runners including the two pre-post favourites, Weir was always likely to snare the 2018 Moe Cup. 
Some doubted Sixties Groove ($2.50 favourite) on the soft going but he was patiently ridden by Craig Williams, who cleverly manoeuvred his way through the field then held off stablemate Snitzepeg ($3.30), who was finishing quickly under Ben Allen. 
Eric Musgrove’s consistent import Noumea ($17) was a gallant third.
Now a six-year-old to southern time, Sixties Groove was bred in Ireland, winning three times in England before being purchased to race in Australia. 
He took a while to acclimatise, but Sixties Groove has now won three of his past four starts. The gelding holds an entry for the Melbourne Cup, but still has plenty of work to do to make the field.
Noumea won the Moe Cup strapper’s prize, sponsored by the Victorian Wakeful Club. 
A recent $110,000 purchase by leading jumps trainer Eric Musgrove from a Godolphin dispersal draft, Noumea was presented in the yard by Belinda Simpson, who has worked for Corinella based stable for 22 years.
Weir won other races on the day with Superhard (John Allen) and Royal Ace (Brad Rawiller). The Gatting Ball, with Allen aboard, was beaten in a photo finish in the final race, denying the stable the quadrella.
Local trainer Allison Bennett, brave mare Chica Mala and jockey Chris Symons combined for the day’s most popular victory. 
The five-year-old mare has had plenty of setbacks through her career, but they were forgotten when she lobbed at $41 in the TRFM Maiden Plate (1600m).
A healthy crowd of around 2500 patrons attended this year’s Moe Cup, with the Latrobe City Council declaring the day a full public holiday, replacing Melbourne Cup day. 
Moe Racing Club chairman Mike Vanderfeen was pleased with the support of council and patrons.
“I know the public holiday was controversial but the council supported us, the Moe traders have supported us and it’s been a very good result.”
Latrobe City Mayor Darrel White praised the club, which has experienced a number of peaks and troughs over the last decade.
“It’s good to see it’s been sorted out because this is a huge event for Latrobe City,” he said. “We want to continue to support the Moe Racing Club to make it a significant event on the calendar for Latrobe City Council that will attract people here from outside and make them want to come back for more.”
The Gippsland cups circuit next heads to Sale this Sunday.