Birchip is set for back to back success this weekend when harness racing returns for the second year running thanks to a joint investment of almost $18,000 supported by the Andrews Labor Government.
The Labor Government is providing almost $9,000 through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program to support the Back to Birchip race day this Sunday 11 March. The Birchip Harness Racing Club is contributing more than $6,000.
Generous locals are also providing $3,000 of in-kind support in the form of raffle prize donations and volunteer hours to help setup and pack up on the day.
The Back to Birchip race day is the second time the Birchip Cup has been held at Hunter Park Raceway following an 11-year hiatus between 2005 and 2017.
A crowd of 1,500 racing enthusiasts flocked to the raceway last year for the return of the cup, and this year is promising to be even bigger and better.
Racegoers will be entertained with a range of attractions including musical performances from Irish folk group The Old Melbourne Road Band, DJ Billy Buttons, and Ballarat group The Shorts.
There will be a range of free activities for children including a jumping castle, face painting, pony rides and animal petting zoo.
The Labor Government has provided more than $82,000 to support a major infrastructure project and two racing meetings at Birchip.
The racing industry in the Mallee region generates more than $58 million for the Victorian economy each year and helps sustain more than 570 full-time jobs locally.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“Last year’s Back to Birchip race day was incredibly well received by the local community and the industry, winning Harness Racing Victoria’s Country Club Event of the Year award.
“This year is promising to be even bigger and better, providing an enormous boost to the local economy and attracting holiday-makers to the Mallee.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
"There is no better place to spend this long weekend than right in the heart of the Mallee."
Quotes attributable to Birchip Harness Racing Club Secretary Brad Sharp
“It’s great to have Birchip back on the annual racing calendar and we can’t wait to host another wonderful event for racegoers.”
"Birchip is a small country town with a passion for racing that brings locals and visitors together for a fantastic day at the trots.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020