The Sale Turf Club is set to go down in history, hosting Victoria's first Good Friday thoroughbred raceday, backed by a funding package from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula today announced the government is allocating over $25,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund - Raceday Attraction Program to support the event on Friday 15 April. Sale Turf Club is contributing more than $33,000 for the event.
Recent changes to the Racing Act 1958 mean racing can now be held on Good Friday. Racing Victoria will rotate the Good Friday meeting around regional racecourses each year, giving clubs the opportunity to host a destination event that supports tourism over the Easter weekend.
Racing will be headlined by the first running of the $500,000 Country Discovery sprint race.
The meeting will also support the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal by donating a percentage of every admission ticket and donations will be collected throughout the day.
The inaugural Good Friday Raceday includes an interactive Kids Zone with plenty of activities for children of all ages and an Easter egg hunt to top off the day. Racegoers will be entertained with live music and the well-dressed are invited to take part in Autumn Fashions on the Field.
With free entry for the first 100, subsidised entry fee for the next 500, and complimentary racebooks, Sale Turf Club is setting the pace for what's to come for future Good Friday race meetings.
To make the most of the day, patrons are encouraged to take advantage of the complimentary shuttle bus service that will run from Sale, Heyfield, Traralgon, Stratford, Loch Sport and Yarram.
Since December 2014, the Labor Government has approved more than $700,000 to support race meetings and racing infrastructure projects at Sale Turf Club.
The thoroughbred racing industry in the Gippsland region generates $88.4 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain over 750 full time equivalent jobs in the region.
As stated by Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
"We're pleased to support Good Friday racing, which will deliver a great day for racing fans and families alike."
"We back events like this bring in tourists from around the state, supporting local businesses and jobs."
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Jane Garrett
"We're delighted to host the first Good Friday racing event at Sale and showcase everything our region has to offer over the long weekend."
As stated by Sale Turf Club Chair Brad Evans
"We are honoured to be hosting Victoria's first Good Friday Raceday. We are excited to shine a spotlight on Sale and we look forward to welcoming everyone to a superb day out."
