by Michael Howard
With the program choc-a-block there are even more reasons to hop to Russell T White Raceway this Easter to savour the Renown Silverware Ararat Pacing Cup.
Saturday night’s feature headlines a nine-race card, each of which has a capacity field including the Clive Reid Memorial Ararat Trotters Cup.
Club president Tony Bond is among those looking forward to the night’s great racing.
“We have full fields across the board, which is a great result,” Mr Bond said. “The trainers and owners always support us, which is great.”
Some trainers have also been lured by the chance to secure the Trots Country Cups Championship crown, which for the first time carries a $25,000 cash prize.
Larry Eastman’s mighty mare Milly Perez and Kent Harpley’s Cardon Merger, who has had a monster season in capturing the St Arnaud and Boort cups, have amassed eight points apiece in the championship. A further victory Saturday night, worth four points, would propel them to the top of the leader board, one point clear of Im Corzin Terror (11 points), who is expected to contest Sunday’s Warragul Bowl Pacing Cup.
Lets Elope and in-form pair Bettor Downunder and Perspective are also racing well and certain to make sure Saturday night’s $30,000 Group 3 cup is hard earned.
The field also features Brad Hunt’s locally trained Jivin Cullen, while trotters cup contestants Crown Dreams and Ainthatrightmacca are also track regulars.
“There are some key locals among the fields including trainers Brad Hunt, Leroy O’Brien and Michael Gadsden who have runners in the cups, and there are some good visiting horses,” Mr Bond said. “We’ve got great facilities, including the dining room and the bar. The racing is great and because of the track you are right on top of it – the atmosphere here you don’t get in other places.”
And the racing is just one part of the equation. Free entry to the Blake St track also gifts you access to a range of off-course activities.
“It’s Easter and there will be a lot of people around enjoying the Grampians or down for the Stawell Gift, and so we will try and drag a few of them in to enjoy the racing,” Mr Bond said.
“We’ve got face painting for the kids, the Easter bunny will be there, a jumping castle and kids’ raffle. Lenny Baker will run the punters’ club, Rob Auber will be on track, there will be live music and a happy hour.”
Gates open at 5pm, with the Renown Silverware Ararat Pacing Cup to take place at 9pm.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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