The De La Salle Centenary Plate

De La Salle Centenary Plate

One of the highlights on the College’s Centenary Calendar was the De La Salle Centenary Plate held at Caulfield racecourse. More than 300 Old Collegians, friends and families of the College braved the brisk conditions on the balcony of the Black Caviar Pavilion, to see Flashy Fella run past the finishing post at Caulfield to win Race 7 (the De La Salle Centenary Plate) in what will no doubt become an historical moment in De La’s history. Race guests were treated to an afternoon of lively entertainment and delicious hospitality in the newly completed Black Caviar Pavilion. Well renowned jockey Brad Rawiller, who has a Golden Slipper and the Caulfield Cup to his credit, was amongst the speakers on the day. Jockey Glen Boss made a long, sustained run from the 800m in the De la Salle Centenary Plate (2000m), and the Thorn Park gelding battled on gamely to score by a short half-head from Kukri with the filly Thy a long neck away third. The trainer of Flashy Fella, Mike Moroney, said following the win in the De La Salle Plate that he was considering running him in the Australian Derby. “It was a good effort. He’s always shown a lot but has kept on improving,” Moroney said. Br Paul officially welcomed guests, including Br Kevin Maloney, Br Gary Coyte, Br Tim Peter, Br Alphonso Zoannetti, Br Brendan Crowe and Br John Mitchell. Fr Brendan Dillon, Racing Chaplain and former Old Collegian gave his official blessing to the race day. Other guests included Craig Williams’ Manager, Mark Guest, who works for Sky Channel. The De La Salle Centenary Plate was the brainchild of Mr Tim Ford who, with the help of a strong team of hardworking volunteers, made the day a success for everyone involved. Thanks go to the Fairchild family for their generous donation to sponsor the race. Hyland Sports Wear made the silks and the rug and as always the Parents’ Network worked hard selling Centenary Memorabilia. Special thanks to parent Kym Gardiner who organized the decorations for the Pavilion. Hopefully Flashy Fella will get a chance to sport his new De La Salle rug on many more occasions.

Ms Kerry Martin