Racegoers are set to flock to the 2018 Cranbourne Pacing Cup this Saturday night, 3 March, thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.
The Labor Government is providing more than $3,700 though the Victorian Racing Industry Fund for the event, and the Cranbourne Harness Racing Club is matching the contribution dollar for dollar.
Harness Racing Victoria is also providing more than $6,700 towards the night race, which will feature 10 races beginning from 6.30pm.
The Group 2 Cup offers something for everyone, including a live tribute show featuring songs from Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, the Beach Boys and Neil Diamond. The event will also include children’s pony rides.
Patrons will have the chance to participate in the Double Seater Sulky race. Professional harness racing drivers will team up with two lucky racegoers in a 1600 metre race around the track. Harness racing expert and form analyst Jason Bonnington will also compete in the race.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has contributed more than $300,000 towards four infrastructure projects and 10 harness racing events at Cranbourne.
The racing industry in the outer Melbourne region generates more than $375 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 3,720 full-time jobs locally.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The 2018 Cranbourne Pacing Cup is one of Victoria’s premier harness race meetings and provides a great opportunity to introduce first-time racegoers to quality harness racing.”
“These events help draw people to Cranbourne and boost the local economy, which is why we’ve provided almost $82,000 to back 10 harness racing events here since 2014.”
Quote attributable to Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera
“The Cup is a fantastic community event which showcases the Cranbourne Racing Centre and brings people to the area.”
Quote attributable to Cranbourne Harness Racing Club President Bill Hutchison
“We’d like to thank the Victorian Government for its support of our Cranbourne Pacing Cup and for the opportunity to provide the City of Casey with a family-friendly and value for money social and sporting event this March.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020