Cranbourne is gearing up to host its first ever Melbourne Cup Day race meeting on Tuesday, 7 November, thanks to almost $47,000 in funding supported by the Andrews Labor Government.
The Labor Government is providing almost $22,000 through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund towards the event, with Cranbourne Turf Club contributing almost $23,000 and Country Racing Victoria a further $2000.
Racegoers and their families will be treated to a day of racing from Cranbourne and Flemington and there will be an array of food options on offer. Children’s entertainment will include rides, ponies, music and sporting activities.
Cranbourne’s Melbourne Cup Day meeting is part of Country Racing Victoria’s bumper Spring Racing Carnival, which includes 51 weekend and feature race meetings across regional Victoria between 23 September and 26 November.
Patrons heading to Cranbourne, or any of the 51 spring race meetings, can take advantage of Country Racing Victoria’s two-for-one ticket offer.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $1 million to support 14 projects for the Cranbourne Turf Club, including the Cranbourne Training Complex. Almost $910,000 has been provided for eight infrastructure projects and more than $142,000 for six Raceday Attraction Program initiatives.
The racing industry in the outer Melbourne region generates more than $375 million for the Victorian economy annually and helps sustain more than 3,720 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“We’re proud to support this new race meeting on the Cranbourne Turf Club’s calendar because it attracts visitors, boosts the local economy and supports jobs.”
“Cranbourne’s first Melbourne Cup Day meet is a great opportunity for the Club to showcase its outstanding facility with some quality racing.”
Quote attributable to Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera
“The Cranbourne Racing Centre is the largest entertainment complex in the City of Casey. The addition of Melbourne Cup Day to its racing calendar will only enhance its reputation as one of Victoria’s best racing venues.”
Quotes attributable to Cranbourne Turf Club CEO Neil Bainbridge
“We are very excited to be part of the Melbourne Cup Day action and thank the Victorian Government for its strong support.”
“Cranbourne is the racing heartland of Melbourne’s southeast, and our Cup Day meeting will be another opportunity to showcase our high-class racing and entertainment complex.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020