Victoria’s oldest surviving racing club will add another page in the history books with the running of the 2017 Apsley Cup at Hamilton this Sunday.
The Andrews Labor Government is providing almost $19,000 to support the 162nd running of the Cup through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program.
While the Cup is usually held at Edenhope Racecourse, this year’s cup will be moved to the Hamilton Racecourse due to wet conditions at Edenhope.
The Apsley Racing Club is also contributing almost $8,500 towards the event and Country Racing Victoria is providing $6,000.
More than 2,000 people are expected to flock to the event, with a bus departing at 10:00am on Sunday from the Apsley Post Office to take racegoers to the Hamilton Racecourse.
Since 2014, the Government has provided almost $59,000 to support infrastructure and race day attractions at Edenhope Racecourse, including supporting the past three Apsley Cup race meetings.
The racing industry in the Wimmera region generates more than $37 million annually for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 360 full-time equivalent jobs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The Apsley Cup has a great racing history in this state and the Andrews Labor Government is proud to support it in its 162nd year.”
“This funding will help to ensure this long tradition continues – despite the wet weather at Edenhope.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“We’re proud to support the Apsley Cup and bring even more people to the region. It's great news for small businesses and great news for locals.”
Quotes attributable to Apsley Racing Club President Sue Close
“This Sunday marks the running of the 162nd Apsley Cup, and we thank the Victorian Government for supporting us.”
“I encourage everyone heading to the Western District for this Queen’s Birthday long weekend to celebrate at the Hamilton Racecourse for a fantastic one-off edition of the Apsley Cup."
Reviewed 19 August 2020