The sun had been shining, the upgraded track had held up well after heavy rain earlier in the week and the 14,000 strong crowd was still revelling in the boisterous rendition of The Horses by Daryl Braithwaite just minutes before the main race.

The French import scored his first win on Australian soil when he pushed past the $3.30 favourite in the final 200 metres.

Rookie trainer Jean Dubois claimed the biggest win of his career with the Cup with countryman Johan Victoire on board.

While the main event took on a decidedly international flavour, Cup day started with one of Albury’s most well-known trainers ensuring he wouldn’t soon be forgotten.

Brett Cavanough won his fifth straight Flat Knacker when Just A Bullet edged out the Kym Davison-trained Vinnie Vega.

This was Cavanough’s last Gold Cup before completing his move to Scone. It was only fitting that he saluted one final time before his 12-year career on the Border comes to a close.

While there were plenty of sentimental moments on the track, one of the most prominent figures in the Border racing industry was given a very special moment off the track.

Albury Racing Club's long-serving former chairman David Wallace was bestowed another major honour at the Gold Cup luncheon.

Mr Wallace, who stepped down after more than half a century involved in Riverina racing administration last year, has had the club's grandstand named in his honour.

The announcement was made by his successor Mark Cronin.

A special commemorative plaque was presented to Mr Wallace which was followed by a standing ovation from the assembled guests.

They included long-time family friend and leading trainer Lee Freedman, who recalled a day at Canberra when Mr Wallace was part of hugely successful plunge on a horse called Sitting Bull.