The crowd went wild as Warrnambool Racing Club chairman Des Roberts declared the Victorian Premier to be Australia’s second saint.

“Without his support we wouldn’t have the Grand Annual and it wouldn’t be worth $250,000,” Roberts said.

“We are so fortunate to have a Racing Minister who has invested so heavily in racing.

“If Denis can be half as good a Premier as Racing Minister, this state is in very good hands.

“We know the first person to come from Portland to be Australia’s first saint is Mary MacKillop. 

The second should be anointed Saint Denis.”

The real Saint Denis was the Bishop of Paris, who was executed for preaching the gospel. 

According to legend, after his head was chopped off, he picked it up and walked 10 kilometres, continuing to evangelise along the way.

And like his namesake, Premier Denis Napthine is also unwavering in his belief. 

His heart for jumps racing is worn on his sleeve, despite the protests, the banners and the calls for the sport to end.

“It’s just been absolutely superb,” Dr Napthine said of yesterday’s event.

“Over $1.5 million in prizemoney and $70 million into the local community. 

“It is a great event and we have seen the most magnificent Grand Annual Steeplechase. 

“What a story, Banna Strand. 

‘‘He can certainly jump and he proved today he can jump.

“(It’s an) absolutely outstanding event. 

‘‘That’s why we love jumps racing. 

‘‘Great stories, great people. 

‘‘This is jumps racing at its best and that is why we love it,” he told the crowd.

“The weather has been magnificent and the racing has just been out of this world. 

‘‘The Grand Annual was once again the highlight of the carnival. 

‘‘It was a terrific race and all credit to all runners, all jockeys, but particularly the three placegetters.”

Dr Napthine told The Standard he was thrilled to be able to attend his first carnival as Premier. 

“The buzz around Warrnambool and around Port Fairy where I live has been great this week.”

The races normally clash with the all-important state budget, meaning the last premier able to attend was Henry Bolte.

Dr Napthine hinted this year’s budget would have “something in it” for the south-west. 

If he delivers, the adoration is likely to continue for some time yet.