Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today announced a funding package of more than $37,000 for the Wodonga Gold Cup.
The Andrews Labor Government is providing more than $17,000 for today’s event, courtesy of its Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program.
The Wodonga & District Turf Club is also contributing more than $17,000 and Country Racing Victoria is providing $2500.
The ‘All Things Wodonga’ themed event will include free children’s activities, including a jumping castle, face painting, craft activities, pony rides and Loopy the Clown.
For the third year running, a local public holiday has been declared for the Cup, and the club is expecting bumper crowds to head to the track.
Free shuttle buses will operate between the town centres of Albury and Wodonga to ensure racegoers can get safely to and from the track.
The Government is also providing $5200 in infrastructure funding to upgrade the owners’ rooms at the racecourse. The club and Racing Victoria are also contributing $2600 each, for a total funding package of more than $10,000.
The upgrade will include a new stainless steel bar table, new stools, chairs and coffee tables, a large television and a coffee machine.
The racing industry in the Ovens-Murray region generates more than $39 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 380 full-time equivalent jobs locally.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The Andrews Labor Government is proud to support Wodonga’s festival of racing which attracts tourists to the region and supports the local economy.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“The Wodonga Cup is a wonderful event which brings our community together and supports hundreds of local jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Wodonga & District Turf Club CEO Tom O’Connor
“The club is grateful for the ongoing support from the government for country racing’s fastest growing cup day.”
“We have something for everyone. Patrons can simply roll out a rug and enjoy a picnic lunch or indulge in a marquee package to suit their needs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020