The 2017 Warracknabeal Cup will be bigger than ever this year, thanks to a funding boost of more than $77,000 supported by the Andrews Labor Government.
The Labor Government is providing more than $38,000 towards the event this Easter Saturday through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program.
The club is contributing almost $16,000 towards the event with Country Racing Victoria providing $8000. The local community is also banding together to support the promotion by providing prizes, advertising and volunteer hours to the value of $15,000.
Families will be entertained throughout the day with live music, an Easter egg hunt, children’s sports activities and a jumping castle. The club will also host a ‘Fashions on the Field’ competition, with a prize pool of $4500 provided by local businesses.
The Cup attracted 1600 patrons last year, and the club is hoping to draw even larger crowds by linking with the annual Warracknabeal Easter ‘Y-Fest’ festival for the second year running.
Y-Fest attracts visitors from across Victoria and includes a street parade, buskers and an art show.
The Warracknabeal Cup is part of Country Racing Victoria’s Easter Campaign, which covers 13 race meetings in rural areas state-wide from 13 April to 25 April, 2017.
The racing industry in the Wimmera region generates more than $37 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 360 full-time equivalent jobs.
Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“We’re proud to be supporting this event because it helps to support jobs and attract more tourists to the region.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“The Warracknabeal Cup proved to be a great success last year and I’d encourage anyone visiting the Wimmera region this Easter to attend and enjoy a day of country racing.”
Quotes attributable to Warracknabeal Racing Club Manager Lisa Inkster
“This our premier racing event and we’re excited to be hosting another fantastic Warracknabeal Cup.”
“This race meeting wouldn’t be possible without the support we receive from the Victorian Government, and we are incredibly grateful for their contribution.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020