Jack Ginnivan announced as ambassador for the Ladbrokes Cox Plate Eve race meet

Collingwood star Jack Ginnivan raised eyebrows when he spent Grand Final eve at the racetrack but it’s paid dividends, helping him land a new role.

Collingwood premiership player Jack Ginnivan at Moonee Valley. Picture: David Caird

Collingwood star Jack Ginnivan has returned to the scene of his unusual grand final eve build-up.

The racing and punting enthusiast dropped into Moonee Valley on Friday night before winning a premiership on Saturday.

The move he described as “pretty harmless” has paid dividends, as he’s now become an ambassador for the Ladbrokes Cox Plate Eve race meet on Friday October 27.

“I was there from race three til race eight so about two and a half hours,’’ Ginnivan, 20, said.

Ginnivan with The Gold Cup and The Cox Plate at Moonee Valley Racecourse. Picture: David Caird

“I was out in the public for a bit and then was lucky enough to get in a box. I saw two of the best horses going around, Imperatriz and Amelia’s Jewel, and was just with two mates.

“That was the main thing, I didn’t want to keep playing the game over and over in my head. I was having dinner in Brunswick anyway so just thought I’d pop in.

“It was pretty harmless. In race 5 I backed the winner and got a few seconds.

“It’s always good to get to The Valley under lights.”

Ginnivan stepped onto the track on Wednesday to celebrate his new role and pick up more shiny silverware — the Cox Plate.

In a nod to his horse racing antics the playmaker rocked up to the Magpies’ Mad Monday celebrations in jockey silks, which he borrowed off leading hoop Craig Williams.

“It was a bit of a shout-out to Craig and they’re still in one piece, which is great,’’ he said.

Ginnivan at the Mad Monday celebrations.

“It’s a hobby of mine, I love the races and I’m a part owner of a horse which hasn’t run yet.

“I really like Mr Brightside, I’m looking forward to following the horse more.”

Ginnivan said he hadn’t yet spoken to Collingwood coach Craig McRae one-on-one about the pre-match event. McRae said this about going to the racetrack: “Read the room, Jack. But you’ve got to grow up.

“You’ve got to make mistakes to learn from them. And Ginni is the youngest player in the room.”

The Cox Plate Carnival is being billed as the best 24 hours of racing, action and entertainment in the country. Cox Plate Eve at the Valley is set to be the biggest party of the Spring Racing Carnival under lights. ARIA award-winning DJ Will Sparks will play for the punters on Cox Plate Eve.