A great day out for all ages
Marks Supa IGA Melbourne Cup Day Picnic Races
THE Mansfield District Racing Club is planning a fun filled day of racing and entertainment this Melbourne Cup Day, with assurance to the community that planning will be in line with all COVID requirements.
Generous funding, made available by the Mansfield Shire Council and the Victorian State Government through the Community Resilience and Recovery Grants program, has allowed new initiatives for all ages.
In addition to the racing action on Mansfield’s wellmaintained track, there will be enhanced children’s activities including magicians and clowns, seating for seniors, return bus service from outlying areas and delicious new additions to the food van alley.
Traditional Cup Day favourites such as Fashions on the Field and Marquee Packages return and members will benefit from an extended lawn area and newly refurbished clubroom.
MDRC president Leanne Backwell reports that planning is cautionary and regular updates are being provided by Country Racing Victoria, the club’s governing body.
“The MDRC committee is hoping to be able to host a great day of entertainment and an opportunity for the
Mansfield community to get together in a picturesque country setting, but will be guided by COVID regulations for crowd numbers and social distancing.”
Ms Backwell highlights the opportunity to become a
member of the MDRC, covering the club’s Melbourne Cup Day and January 9, 2022 meetings.
Benefits include social membership of the Mansfield Golf Club, reciprocal rights to a Benalla Race Club meeting and race day access to the upgraded Members’ Reserve, including complimentary afternoon tea.
All ticketing, event bookings and membership subscriptions are available online via www.countryracing. com.au or www.mansfieldcountryraces.com.au.
Patrons are advised if the event is cancelled or subject to reduced capacity a full refund will be given on all bookings, including packages.
Further announcements will be made by the MDRC as information becomes available.
Racing Victoria (RV) recently announced that it will increase prize money by more than $16 million for the 2021-22 racing season commencing August 1, 2021, which will include Mansfield.
“The announcement is welcome news for picnic racing in North East Victoria,” said Ms Backwell.
“Clubs such as Mansfield will be able to support and attract the picnic racing industry - trainers, owners, jockeys and boost field numbers.
“Country cups will retain their high profile.
“The Mansfield District Racing Club is grateful for the continuing support it receives from Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria.”
The prize money increases, which are designed to be sustainable and reward participation at all levels, are achievable off the back of strong wagering on Victorian racing throughout the current financial year.
RV said the changes are being made to drive continued investment in the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry which “generates over $3 billion annually for the Victorian economy and supports the equivalent of 25,000 full-time jobs”.