Penshurst & District Racing Club will gallop into the history books when it celebrates 150 years of racing this Boxing Day.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula said the meeting has been a significant part of Penshurst’s local history since jockeys first took to the track in 1865.
Entertainment this year includes live music, catered marquees and big screens showing all the raceday action as well as the Boxing Day Cricket Test live from the MCG.
Free bus transport will be available from Ararat, Hamilton, Port Fairy, Portland and Warrnambool.
The Penshurst Cup is part of the Kid’s Summer of Country Racing campaign and provides supervised children’s activities by Kelly Sports.
The Andrews Labor Government is providing $11,600 towards the Penshurst Cup to help mark the occasion, courtesy of the Victorian Racing Industry Fund’s (VRIF) Raceday Attraction Program.
Country Racing Victoria will contribute $20,500 and Penshurst District Racing Club will contribute $12,800 towards the day.
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 and allows the three racing codes, racing clubs and other key stakeholders to have a say in growing Victorian racing.
It funds projects and initiatives at tracks across Victoria, supporting jobs, improving animal and participant safety, increasing integrity measures and boosting the racing experience for racegoers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The Penshurst Cup on Boxing Day has been part of the local community for 150 years and we are glad to support this fantastic tradition.”
“It’s a great way to wrap up the festive season with a relaxing day at the country races.”
Quotes attributable to Penshurst Racing Club Chairman Michael McKinnon
“This funding is a real shot in the arm for the club and helps us to make it convenient, affordable and safe for people to come to the Penshurst Boxing Day races and experience what a great family day out it is.”
“A successful race meeting has an impact both economically and socially for the whole community, so the funding has a wide reaching effect.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021