- Published:
- Thursday 1 December 2016
Racegoers will kick off the festive season in style at the Stawell Pacing Cup this Sunday, 4 December, thanks to a $22,000 investment supported by the Andrews Labor Government.
The Stawell Racing Club is providing a full day of entertainment at Laidlaw Park with live music, novelty races and activities for the whole family.
The Government is contributing more than $8700 towards the harness racing event, courtesy of its Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program. Harness Racing Victoria is providing more than $7500 and the club is also making a significant contribution of $5600.
Family-friendly activities will include pony rides, face painting, show bag giveaways and a special visit from Santa.
The event will also feature a novelty ‘sulky race’ to give local clubs and schools the chance win prize money. Each team will need to pull a light-weight horse cart down the home straight, with one person sitting in the driver’s seat while two others replace the horse between the shafts.
Live music will be played in the bistro area throughout the day and harness racing broadcaster, journalist and racing identity Dan Mielicki will keep the crowds entertained as the MC.
The racing industry in the Wimmera region generates more than $37 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 360 full time equivalent jobs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“We’re proud to be supporting the Stawell Pacing Cup which is one of the premier racing events in Harness Racing Victoria’s Country Cups Carnival.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“This is a fantastic community event which helps to support local jobs and it attracts valuable tourism to the Wimmera region.”
Quotes attributable to Stawell Harness Racing Club CEO Lisa McIlvride
“We are grateful to the Victorian Government for supporting us to create a fabulous day out at the trots for the Stawell Pacing Cup.”
“The Cup is a great event for end-of-year celebrations and we encourage the community and visitors to the region to make their way to the track this Sunday for a fantastic day of country harness racing.”