The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the 60th anniversary of greyhound racing’s iconic Australian Cup Carnival at The Meadows.
The three-night race series kicks of this Saturday, 17 February, followed by a second race meeting on Saturday, 24 February, and culminating with the Group 1 Australian Cup – worth $250,000 – on Saturday, 3 March.
The Labor Government is contributing $95,000 to the carnival from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program, while the Melbourne Greyhound Racing Association is providing more than $243,000.
Each race night will feature a range of entertainment, including jumping castles, a photo booth and show bags. A special colour run obstacle course for children will be on offer at the 24 February meeting.
Pop-rock musician Brett Little will feature across the carnival, while Jason Singh of Taxiride, Reece Mastin from X Factor, and Dale Ryder of Boom Crash Opera will appear on 17 February. The carnival finale on 3 March will feature 2018 Country Music Male Artist of the Year Shane Nicholson.
Former North Melbourne AFL player Brent Harvey will make appearances on 24 February and 3 March as the ambassador for Greyhound Racing Victoria, while media personality Shawn Cosgrove – former voice of The Price is Right – will MC the carnival’s opening and closing events.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has contributed more than $815,000 to support three infrastructure projects and 13 greyhound racing events at The Meadows.
The racing industry in metropolitan Melbourne generates more than $1.5 billion annually for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 13,590 full-time equivalent jobs locally.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The Australian Cup Carnival showcases quality greyhound racing at its best and provides a raft of entertainment across three big nights.”
“We are proud to support the 60th anniversary of this iconic event that has produced some of Australia’s greatest greyhound performances and entertained generations of racegoers.”
Quote attributable to Member for Broadmeadows Frank McGuire
“This is a boost for greyhound racing at the Meadows which will help support local jobs and benefit the economy.”
Quotes attributable to Melbourne Greyhound Racing Association General Manager Marg Long
“We’d like to thank the Victorian Government for its keen support of greyhound racing at The Meadows, and its generous contribution to the Australian Cup Carnival.”
“This will be a wonderful series of family race nights, and we encourage racegoers from across Melbourne and the city’s surrounds to join us for the carnival.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020