FROM 2015 the Jayco Bendigo Cup will become just the second race in regional Victoria to be rated Group Three status. The Australian Racing Board has lifted the status of the Jayco Bendigo Cup from Listed to Group Three, joining the Geelong Cup as the most prestigious event in regional Victoria. “Seven years ago we were told we had a snowflakes chance in hell of getting the date of the Bendigo Cup changed,’’ BJC president Brendan Drechsler said.  “We achieved that. Then we were told the Bendigo Cup wouldn’t be a qualifying event for the Melbourne Cup. “After two years of hard work we achieved that. Now we’ve had the Cup lifted to Group Three status which is fantastic for Bendigo. “To join Geelong as the only Group Three race in country Victoria proves that the Bendigo Cup has become one of the feature races of the entire spring carnival.” Gaining Group Three status means the Bendigo Cup will hold added importance for breeders and owners. It will also create extra interest from international trainers and owners. “When you get to Group level it creates huge international interest,’’ Drechlser said. “I hope the Bendigo community understands how important this is for the Bendigo Cup. “It puts us even higher on the racing map. “It’s an exciting time for racing in Bendigo.” This year’s Bendigo Cup will be run on Wednesday, October 29.