Eastern Challenge on Thursday

The $25,000 Eastern Challenge race will be the headline act at the next Warragul harness race meeting on Thursday.

Warragul Harness Racing Club is promoting the school holiday fixture as a Family Day, and, combined with what should be a strong racing card, an entertaining day is assured for spectators.

Attractions for children on the day include face painting, a disco and jumping castle.

Mum and Dad can relax on the lawns or in the air-conditioned club rooms, with TAB betting, food and drink close at hand.

The Eastern Challenge event is staged once every four years at Logan Park, and has been won by some quality horses since it was first staged in 1991. The race is staged on rotation between the Cranbourne, Kilmore, Warragul and Yarra Valley courses.

Drouin West horseman Gary Quinlan is chasing his fourth win in the race, with Misty Cullen expected to compete after a strong win at the recent Christmas Eve program at Logan Park.

Stablemate Magical Delight, which also won at Warragul on Christmas Eve, may also appear in the event depending on the strength of other entries.

Gary Quinlan’s other winners in the Eastern Challenge were Brave Salute (1992), Scruffy Major (2013) and Professor Tom (2017).

Good quality fields of both local and visiting horses are expected across the support events during the day.

Entry for adults is $10 on Thursday, with children admitted free of charge. Gates open at noon.