Premier

Benalla Racing Kicking Goals On Grand Final Friday

28 August 2015

Footy fever will take over Benalla Racing Club on Victoria’s inaugural AFL Grand Final public holiday, thanks to the support of the Andrews Labor Government’s Raceday Attraction Program.

The BRC will put on an AFL-themed day to showcase its premier raceday, featuring the Benalla Gold Cup, on Friday 2 October. The new public holiday scheduled the day before the big clash at the MCG – marks the start of the three-day long weekend.

Past AFL greats and current media personalities Danny Frawley, Cameron Mooney and Nathan Brown are the event ambassadors and will mingle with the crowd throughout the day.

A headline musical act will perform after the final siren has blown on the day’s races. A football marquee will also be set up especially for the day, while the Fashions on the Field competition offers a range of prizes to the best dressed racegoers.

The BRC has developed a special raceday app for racegoers to use on the day that will alert them to upcoming races and on-course events.

The Labor Government is providing $66,000 to the event courtesy of the Victorian Racing Industry Fund’s (VRIF) Raceday Attraction Program, with the Benalla Racing Club contributing $67,200.

Victoria is the proud leader of Australian racing, generating more than $2.8 billion in economic activity and supporting more than 26,500 full time jobs.

The VRIF returns unclaimed wagering dividends and on-course wagering taxes back to the industry. It funds projects at tracks across Victoria, supporting jobs, improving safety, and boosting the racing experience.

Gates open for the Benalla Gold Cup at 11am on Friday, 2 October.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula

“The AFL Grand Final public holiday is fitting recognition of one of Australia’s biggest sporting events and it’s fantastic to see the Benalla Racing Club embrace it .”

“The AFL themed Benalla Gold Cup race meeting is a perfect start to the long weekend and a great incentive for Victorians to discover everything that Benalla has to offer.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“I'm pleased the Andrews Labor Government is supporting racing in my home town, the Benalla cup is a great day out for families.”

Quotes attributable to the Benalla Racing Club Acting CEO, Paul Hoysted

"The funding has allowed the event to be publicised as far and wide as possible to ensure that the region is a destination for visitors across a new long weekend for Victoria.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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