Danny O'Brien and Melbourne Cup heading to Kyabram

An organising committee led by Don McKenzie and backed by the Kyabram Club has put a program in place for the Kyabram district community to welcome the cup-winning trainer back to the town where he was raised.

Mr O'Brien, who will bring Australia’s and one of the world’s most famous racing trophies with him, said he was eagerly looking forward to the visit.

‘‘It’s great some members of the Kyabram community have had the initiative to have invited me and my family back to acknowledge and to share in the win. I’m very appreciative and I’m looking forward to catching up with friends from my time in Kyabram and everyone else who rocks up on the day,’’ Mr O'Brien said.

Mr O'Brien will head straight to his old school, St Augustine’s, where he will spend time from 11.30 am before embarking on a street parade down Church St to Allan St which will start at 12.15 pm.

One of his former St Augustine’s teachers, Brian O’Meara, will chauffeur Mr O'Brien in his Austin Healy sports car in the parade, which will be led by the Kyabram SES unit.

There will be a public welcome and congratulatory ceremony after the parade in front of Kyabram Town Hall, where Mr O'Brien will be prepared to sign memorabilia of his famous win.

After the ceremony, which will be compered by David Blake, Mr O'Brien will visit Warramunda aged care facility, followed by a ticketed function at the Kyabram Club.

Everyone is welcome to attend the function at Kyabram Club. The cost is $25 per person, which includes finger food, and all profits will go the Kyabram Hospital.

The function will feature an interview with Mr O'Brien and former Kyabramite Ian Purdey, who is a close friend of the trainer and his family. Danny’s father, Dr Peter O’Brien, who was a Kyabram doctor for many years, will also be in attendance and he looks forward to catching up with friends from his Kyabram days.

Tickets to the function at Kyabram Club can be purchased from Ky Lucky Lotto in Allan St.