The Andrews Labor Government will help the Boort Trotting Club celebrate 125 years of harness racing, when the Boort Pacing Cup race meeting is held on Sunday 20 March.
The Boort Trotting Club was established in 1891 and is the oldest continuous trotting club in Australia.
To help celebrate its 125th anniversary, the club has invited guest race callers from across Australia, including Jimmy Jacques from South Australia, Alan Hull from Wagga Wagga and former Sky Channel caller, Matthew Hill, to take part in the day’s festivities.
Families will also be well catered for with yabby races, kids’ rides and activities, free icy poles and lolly giveaways.
There will also be a historical display featuring old sulkies, photos, trophies, rugs and media articles for racegoers to enjoy, as well as an Umbrella Enclosure.
The Government is providing almost $13,000 towards the event, courtesy of its Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program.
The Boort Trotting Club is providing just over $8600, with a further $3800 coming from Harness Racing Victoria.
In recent years, the Boort Trotting Club has developed strong partnerships with the local school and hospital and will again conduct various fundraising events, including donations for the Ovarian Cancer Institute.
The racing industry in the Goulburn region alone generates more than $227 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain over 2240 full-time equivalent jobs locally.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The Andrews Labor Government is pleased to support the such an important event on the social calendar for Boort and the surrounding community.”
“The club has built strong links with the community over 125 years, highlights the importance of race clubs for our smaller regional centres.”
Quotes attributable to Boort Trotting Club Secretary John Davidson
“We appreciate the ongoing support from the government’s Raceday Attraction Program, which will enable us to make this the best Boort Pacing Cup meeting yet.”
“This is a fantastic day out with great entertainment for the whole family and we encourage everyone to come and enjoy everything that country racing has to offer.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020