- Published:
- Tuesday 2 August 2016
Racegoers will be travelling aboard a vintage diesel train to the Redwood Carnival at Maryborough this weekend thanks to funding from the Andrews Labor Government.
The Government is providing more than $15,500 to support the carnival, courtesy of its Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program.
The Maryborough Harness Racing Club is also providing $9400, with Harness Racing Victoria contributing $4350, and a further $1350 being provided by local businesses.
The Redwood Rail Trail train will depart Southern Cross Station at 9.30am on Sunday 7 August and will stop at Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat on route to Maryborough.
There will be seating for 220 people and a special club lounge with bar and snacks will be available throughout the trip.
Guests will be transported to the track by bus from Maryborough station and will receive free entry, a complimentary race book, a two-course lunch, a punter’s club voucher and Redwood Rail Trail cap. The train will depart Maryborough at 5.15pm, arriving in Melbourne just under three hours later.
The standard price for the rail package is $140, however the club is offering a discounted price of $80.
The carnival meeting runs over two days with races held on Friday 5 August and Sunday 7 August. On-course entertainment will include live music and children’s activities.
The racing industry in the Loddon region generates more than $166 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain over 1640 full-time equivalent jobs locally.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“Country harness racing is a major employer and great tourist drawcard for regional Victoria.”
“The Redwood Rail Train is a unique initiative and offers racegoers the opportunity to leave their cars at home and enjoy the Victorian countryside before a day out at the races.”
Quotes attributable to Maryborough Harness Racing Club Secretary and Manager Les Chapman
“We are grateful to the Victorian Government for helping support the Redwood Carnival, which attracts harness racing enthusiasts from all over Australasia.”
“The carnival is our flagship event and is the most unique, popular and successful harness racing event on Victoria’s provincial racing calendar.”