City primed for cup
Horsham Cup organisers are urging people to make the most of incentives backed by State Government investment to attend Friday’s big meeting.
Horsham and District Racing Club manager Lisa Inkster said a $47,000 government contribution, part of an overall $105,000 support package, meant people could access special oncourse promotions and online deals.
“We want a large amount of patron support to show that we can support a significant cultural racing event and the government investment has been worthwhile,” she said.
The Horsham Cup Friday fixture is in its fourth year, but this year is the first that a public holiday, which Horsham Rural City Council switched from Melbourne Cup Day, has accompanied the event.
The Horsham club lobbied hard for the controversial three-year switch and is now banking on a strong community turn-out at Horsham Racecourse.
The holiday switch has also led to a five-day Destination Horsham events program across the municipality; designed to both capitalise on the occasion and help businesses offset any Friday trading losses.
Mrs Inkster said the switch was a significant change and represented a greater opportunity for Horsham district people to experience the excitement and culture of Australian thoroughbred racing.
“If you have never been to the races, this is the perfect chance to get down to the races to see what it’s all about. There is something for everyone – from the racing and high-end fashion to kids’ activities,” she said. “We’ve lobbied hard for this and it makes for a great start to a big weekend.”
The first race on the Horsham Cup program starts at 1pm and the last race is scheduled for 5.15pm.
Mrs Inkster said Horsham needed a successful Horsham Cup meeting.
“Racing is part of national culture and Horsham is primed to capitalise on the opportunities this presents,” she said.
“We see many wonderful cup meetings across metropolitan and regional Australia and Horsham is perfectly poised to strengthen its position in this wonderful fraternity.
“We simply need people to come through the gates and make the most of what the day offers. It’s fantastic.”
Mrs Inkster stressed a need for people to go online to seek out the twofor-one or ‘two-fer’ admission and Texan Warney Marquee deals.
“These are online deals only. There are limited tickets and they won’t be available at the gate,” she said.
The State Government provided $47,000 through its Victorian Racing Industry Fund to help boost attendance at the meeting.
Horsham and District Racing Club is also contributing more than $34,000, while Country Racing Victoria is providing $8000.
Horsham residents are also donating more than $16,000 worth of in-kind support in volunteer hours and competition prizes.
Trackside entertainment will include live music from vocalist and musician Kailee O’beirne and a fashion precinct will host a fashions on the field competition.
Chyloe Kurdas, who was instrumental in the development of the Women’s AFL competition, will headline as a guest speaker in the Texan Warney Marquee. There will be complimentary shuttle buses to Firebrace street.