Racegoers are set to flock to Australia’s oldest continuous trotting club today for the 2018 Boort Cups Day.
The Andrews Labor Government is providing more than $8,500 to support the event through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund.
The iconic raceday is a major drawcard for harness racing enthusiasts for two feature races, including the Boort Pacing Cup and the Boort Trotting Cup. The event will mark the club’s 127th year of unbroken operation.
Under the funding package, racegoers heading to the track will receive free entry and a complimentary race book, as well as live entertainment from Bendigo-based duo Em & Ben.
A range of free children’s activities will be on offer including a 17-metre long crocodile jumping castle and Kids’ Corner with water play amusements and hula hoops.
The Boort Trotting Club is contributing more than $12,000 towards the event and Harness Racing Victoria is providing $4,800.
Boort Cups Day also marks the official unveiling of a new $20,000 horse wash jointly funded last year by the Labor Government and Harness Racing Victoria.
Located at Boort Park, the horse wash will be used at the event today and will also benefit the many horses expected to participate in the annual Boort Show later this year.
The new concrete stalls replaced an old galvanised iron horse wash, making the structure safer and easier to clean and maintain.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided more than $108,000 to support three infrastructure projects and five harness racing events at Boort.
The racing industry in the Goulburn region generates more than $227 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 2,240 full-time equivalent jobs locally.
Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“We’re proud to support the 2018 Boort Cups Day because it draws visitors to the region, helps to boost the economy and supports local jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
“Country racing is the life blood of our communities. This funding boost will help the Boort Trotting Club continue to attract visitors, and the new horse wash stalls will benefit the club and local community.”
Quote attributable to Boort Trotting Club President John Campbell
“We’re very appreciative of the Victorian Government’s ongoing support for Boort Cups Day, which is our biggest event on our racing and social calendar.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020