Cruise proves a winner
THE Hygeia Bay Cruise will become an annual event after its huge success on February 12.
Feedback was overwhelming positive from all those on board the party boat.
And party we did with a cavalcade of dignitaries and stars all presented with a lei on the nautically themed night.
There was no shortage of sailors on board as well as buccaneers and pirates.
Distinguished guests included the Count and Countess from Rhode Island, the colourful Captain Hook as well as Thurston and Lovey Howell from Gilligan’s Island.
The admiralty was represented by Rob Gaylard while Jamie Edwards adapted well as first mate.
While the weather was a touch cool, there was still plenty of fun to be had upside as well as inside with entertainment provided by Heath Stenton and Bret Grace on the three hour journey.
Best dressed winners were Ray Archibald and Janet Edwards.
Some photos of the night were published in the Geelong Advertiser on Friday February 19. Other club shots are in the gallery.
Vale George Hanlon - a racing legend
Geelong Thoroughbred Club patron and one of Australia's greatest trainers George Hanlon has died at the age of 92.
George was incredibly astute and lived his life for his horses.
He was renowned for his ability with stayers and had an enviable strike rate from a small team of around 15 horses at any one time.
He trained his last Group One winner at the age of 83 when Mr Prudent won the 2001 Sydney Cup.
George was a proud inductee into the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame in 2002.
He trained for 35 years at his Correct Lodge stables at Epsom but he realised a dream to have his own training set-up when he moved to Leopold, near Geelong, in the mid-1980s.
Drawing on what he had seen at Newmarket in England, he mapped out gallops on his 40ha property and followed his horses in a four-wheel drive jeep, shouting instructions to the riders while monitoring his speedo.
Hanlon rated 1977 Cox Plate winner Family Of Man the best horse he had trained just ahead of Lawman.
Other greats included Taras Bulba, Gnapur, Prince Salieri, Our Pompeii, Bobalex, Royal Snack, Mr. Prudent, Our Sophia, Marjoleo and Bellition.
In a career spanning more than 60 years, Hanlon trained the winners of most of Australia's biggest races including three Melbourne Cups - Piping Lane (1972), Arwon (1978) and Black Knight (1984).
George Hanlon - Feature Story