Royalty set to shine at Pakenham Guineas Day
A King or Queen is set to grace Pakenham Racecourse on Saturday the 13th of October as part of the Evergreen Turf Guineas Day.
Minister for Racing Denis Napthine said Guineas Day would be a great day’s racing filled with action packed activities, chances to win big prizes and a King or Queen competition for local football and netball clubs.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is pleased to support this event through our Raceday Attraction Program (RAP), which aims to grow attendances at Victorian racetracks, particularly through the opportunities afforded to local sporting players to win big for their clubs,” Dr Napthine said.
“The highlight of the day will be the crowning of the winner of the Star News King or Queen competition. This popularity contest is open to all local football and netball club members.
“Importantly, the sporting club the winner represents, will receive an automatic defibrillator, a critical piece of first aid equipment for any organisation.
“Local sporting clubs will also be invited to get involved in the handball competition and netball shootouts with prize money going back to the clubs and individual winners receiving marquee packages for Pakenham Oaks Day later in the year.
“In addition, everyone who buys a racebook will also have the chance to enter the ‘Win a Car’ competition and win a $500 fuel voucher. The Mazda 3 Neo car will be given away at the Bruce Clough Mazda Twilight Christmas Meeting on 14 December.
“Added to the racing and these fantastic prizes will be live music including a guest DJ,” Dr Napthine said.
Michael Hodge, CEO of the Pakenham Racing Club said the Raceday Attraction Program is a wonderful initiative for racing.
“The RAP has had an immediate effect on getting more people to courses around the state and introducing people to racing,” Mr Hodge said.
“It’s outstanding for the Club to be able to offer an incentive such as the opportunity to win a new car to entice patrons on course to enjoy a great day of racing.
“Guineas Day at Pakenham coincides with the running of the Caulfield Guineas and it is the Pakenham Racing Club’s fastest growing race meeting,” Mr Hodge said.
The Coalition Government’s RAP has provided $15,970 towards the day, in partnership with Pakenham Racing Club, which has provided an additional $36,130.
The Raceday Attraction Program is derived entirely from on-course wagering taxes and aims to foster growth in the Victorian racing industry by increasing oncourse attendances and introducing new audiences to racing.
