- Published:
- Friday 22 September 2017
The Andrews Labor Government today announced almost $1 million for Country Racing Victoria to help boost attendance at regional race meetings this spring and summer.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula joined Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas at Kyneton Racecourse to announce the Labor Government’s contribution of $980,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund. The funding will help Country Racing Victoria to promote 180 regional race meetings over the next seven months.
Country Racing Victoria will also contribute almost $1.6 million towards the racing campaigns across spring and summer to encourage people to attend a race day between 23 September 2017 and 25 April 2018.
Country racing is the lifeblood of the industry and some of this year’s iconic meetings include Manangatang’s century of racing celebration on 14 October, Mt Wycheproof’s Derby Day in the country on 4 November, and the Dunkeld Cup on 18 November, which is held at one of the most picturesque courses in the shadow of Mt Abrupt.
The feature races will showcase Victoria’s 64 country racetracks, including 13 picnic racing venues. Each event will highlight a range of race day attractions including subsidised general admissions, family picnic packages and free children’s activities.
Country and picnic race meetings have surged in popularity since 2015, with attendance growing more than
45 per cent. More than 370,000 people are expected to attend country race meetings during spring and summer.
Since December 2014, the Labor Government has invested more than $25 million in country race meetings and infrastructure upgrades to improve venues and help attract more visitors to regional racetracks.
The racing industry in regional Victoria generates more than $940 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 9250 full-time equivalent jobs locally.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“We’re proud to support this outstanding calendar of country and picnic races – it will be country racing at its best.”
“This funding will help to attract even more tourists to regional Victoria over spring and summer, while providing great entertainment for local communities.”
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“This is a fantastic initiative which helps bring people to our beautiful region, it boosts the local economy and supports jobs. I encourage everyone to head down to their local track this spring and summer.”
Quote attributable to Country Racing Victoria CEO Scott Whiteman
“Victorians are attending country and picnic races in record numbers, and this year’s program promises to be
the biggest and best yet.”