Traditional trots meet returns on Monday
One of the traditional race meets on the Gippsland calendar returns this weekend, when Warragul Harness Racing Club stages a trots program on the Queen’s Birthday public holiday.
The Monday card was a highlight for local race followers for many years from the late 1980s.
Warragul lost the race meeting due to a calendar reshuffle in 2005, and it returned last year, albeit behind locked gates due to COVID restrictions.
This weekend, the Warragul committee is going all out to welcome back spectators to what should become a new winter tradition for the club.
The $25,000 Eastern Challenge Pace will be the highlight race of the afternoon and should attract strong entries.
Officials also expect good numbers for the support races, which all carry bonus prizemoney courtesy of the Victorian Harness Racing Sports Club.
Monday’s meeting recognises the former Warragul and District Light Harness Club, with life members of that group attending for a reunion lunch. Local trotting stalwarts Des Kelly and Ken Miller will be honoured with memorial races in their names.
For spectators, the superb facilities at Logan Park are heated and enclosed for comfort whatever the weather.
Added attractions at the Monday meeting include an animal farm, face painting and balloon twisting for the kids, live music from DJ Nige and all the action from the AFL Big Freeze on the indoor giant screen.
The Gippsland Car Club will provide a vehicle display and spectators can vote for the best presented vehicle.
There will be lucky racegoer giveaways and special members draws.
Entry is free, with TAB and bookmaker betting and bistro and bar facilities available.
Gates open at 11.30am with the first race around 12noon.