St Arnaud Harness Racing Club is preparing to celebrate its premier track event this Sunday with new upgraded facilities, thanks to more than $23,000 in funding supported by the Andrews Labor Government.
The Labor Government is contributing more than $8,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund to upgrade the owners’ facilities and support the St Arnaud Saints Trot Trove race meeting this Sunday, 12 November.
A range of family-friendly entertainment will be available for the Saints Trot Trove race day, including an animal farm, balloon-shaping, face-painting, pony trots and a restored cars show.
Among the prizes will be the chance for one racegoer to win a share in a syndicated horse.
The club is contributing more than $9,000 to the event, Harness Racing Victoria is providing almost $4,000 and local organisations are giving more than $1,000.
The Victorian Harness Racing Sports Club is also contributing almost $1,700 towards the owners’ facilities upgrades, which will improve the on-course experience for horse owners and encourage greater attendance on race days.
The upgrade at St Arnaud will see new bar tables and stools installed at the track.
The Saints Trot Trove is part of the St Arnaud Festival weekend, which celebrates the region’s food and wine. The weekend will include art exhibitions, live music and raffles.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided almost $61,000 to support four harness racing events and two infrastructure projects at St Arnaud, including $26,000 for a replacement water truck.
The racing industry in the Wimmera region generates more than $37 million for the Victorian economy every year, and helps sustain more than 360 full-time equivalent jobs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“We’re thrilled to be supporting this year’s Saints Trot Trove because it showcases some of the best harness racing at St Arnaud.”
“We’re upgrading the owners’ rooms and enhancing the on-course experience to ensure the club can continue to grow attendance on race days.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“Country racing events like these help to boost the local economy, support jobs and attract even more visitors to our beautiful Wimmera region.”
Quote attributable to St Arnaud Harness Racing Club Secretary Kaye Boyd
“We’re grateful to the Victorian Government for its ongoing support of our race days, and improvements to our venue’s facilities.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020