Action aplenty at Apsley

Apsley Racing Club is gearing up for its annual Sunday celebration of all things Apsley.

The Di Giorgio Family Wines Apsley Cup will be on June 11, and the club is set to make the most of the Queen’s Birthday long weekend with three days of fun and activities.

Organisers have guaranteed that from an art exhibition, bike race, black-tie ball and big day of racing, Apsley has something for everyone.

Apsley Racing Club manager Michelle Pettit said the club was always looking to build on what it could offer locals and regional visitors.

“The Apsley cup is a race day with all the best elements of country racing, from fine food and drink to fashion and friends,” she said.

“As Victoria’s oldest country racing club we take tradition very seriously, but we also need to come up with new ideas to bring people to the track.

“We know once they have been to an Apsley cup and enjoyed everything this wonderful region has to offer, they will be back time and time again.”

Apsley Racing Club was established in 1855. Racing will be celebrated with a themed art competition and exhibit at the Red Tail Gallery in Edenhope.

Saturday, June 10, will feature the second annual Tour de Frances.

Cyclists will leave from the Border Inn at Apsley, completing an 85-kilometre circuit to Frances and back to the pub.

All proceeds from Tour de Frances will go to the Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital.

Apsley Racing Club will host its cup eve black-tie ball at Apsley Town Hall on the Saturday night, with music from Adelaide band the Uptown Seeds. Sunday is race day at Edenhope Racecourse. Ms Pettit said the day would have plenty for proven punters, but also for newcomers, with fashion and family activities aplenty.

“There will be more than $1000 in prizes on offer for fashions-on-the-field, while the Australian Wool Innovation fashion parade will showcase the latest in wool-wear,” she said.

“Kids are taken care of too. Literally, should mum and dad need a break.

“Splodge Educational Care will run a day care style program on race day full of educational fun.

“The highlight for kids on course will be a sing-a-long with George the Farmer, with other free activities on offer as well.”

The day will round out with a post-race party at Apsley Border Inn.

Bus services to the races will be available from Horsham, Casterton, Frances, Hamilton, Harrow, Naracoorte, Penola and Mount Gambier through Wimmera Roadways.

People wanting more information can visit www.countryracing.com.au/apsley or call Ms Pettit on 0488 992 781.