Premier

Boost For First Race Of Spring Racing Season

30 August 2018

The Andrews Labor Government is kicking off this year’s Spring Racing Carnival with a boost for the 2018 Memsie Stakes Day.

The Labor Government is providing almost $15,000 from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund towards the $39,000 joint funding project, as part of the race day at Caulfield Racecourse this Saturday 1 September.

The Memsie Stakes is the first Group 1 of the Spring Racing Carnival, boasting a total prize pool of $1 million.

AFL Club Members will get free entry to the racecourse on the day, and all racegoers will enjoy access to the Caulfield Wine Bar, which is usually exclusive to members.

Patrons will be entertained by acoustic acts Alex Rose and Angus Legg throughout the day.

Melbourne Racing Club is providing almost $25,000 towards a host of initiatives to support the event.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $1 million to support three infrastructure projects and 11 racing events at Caulfield Racecourse.

The racing industry in metropolitan Melbourne generates more than $1.5 billion for the Victorian economy annually and helps to sustain more than 13,590 full-time equivalent jobs locally.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula

“We’re partnering with Melbourne Racing Club to boost the 2018 Memsie Stakes Day and kick off this year’s Spring Racing Carnival.”

“Spring Racing Carnival is an important part of our event’s calendar and one of the biggest economic generators in Australia, bringing huge benefits to Victoria.”

Quotes attributable to Melbourne Racing Club CEO Josh Blanksby

“We’d like to thank the Victorian Government for its support for the 2018 Memsie Stakes Day.”

“With the AFL bye this week, Memsie Stakes Day is the perfect time to turn your attention to racing, and with the first Group 1 of the season, the $1 million Memsie Stakes, it’s sure to be a thrilling introduction to spring.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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