The St Arnaud community will trot to their local race track on Sunday to celebrate a great sporting day out in country Victoria.
St Arnaud Harness Racing Club secretary Kaye Boyd said the Weirs Supa IGA St Arnaud Pacing Cup was an occasion that united residents.
“It is really embraced by the local community,” Ms Boyd said. “All of our sponsors are local businesses and the community is really looking forward to it.”
Cup day on Sunday is one of two meetings the club holds each year, having also been scheduled a January 2 meeting. Ms Boyd said those meetings were savoured.
“St Arnaud Harness Racing Club is into its 61st year and so it is a strong area for harness racing with a lot of trainers nearby, and so it is important to keep going and keep supporting them,” she said. “The cup is a big celebration, and it’s a community celebration, not just the harness racing world.”
Ms Boyd said she was rapt with the support of drivers and trainers, with eight races scheduled and 74 horses nominating.
“I’m really thrilled the fields are big. The locals like to see some of the big names here and it’s great to see Gavin Lang and Greg Sugars are among those to have drives.”
Patrons will have extra incentive to not only attend but to support the club, with members who roll in on the day in the running to win holidays to Margaret River or the Sunshine Coast, which are each worth $2500.
“We try and encourage membership and for people to come on course, and so the two trips both encourage that,” Ms Boyd said. “We have a photo booth as well as children’s art and craft activities, face painting and pony trots.
“There will be a punters’ club to be run by Garry Hucker and Leigh Graham, and there is great viewing from all around the track. It is a very spectator-friendly day.”
The first race is at 1.09pm, with the St Arnaud Sporting Club Trotters Cup to run at 3.29pm and Weirs Supa IGA St Arnaud Pacing Cup at 4.38pm.
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