Country race meetings on Melbourne Cup Day remain popular

Victorian country race meetings continue to be the place to be on Melbourne Cup Day with overall attendance of the seven country meetings up 42% on last year.

Country Racing Victoria Chief Executive Officer Scott Whiteman said the figures highlight the interest in thoroughbred racing on the first Tuesday in November and called for more meetings to be scheduled in country Victoria.

“At present we have seven race meetings in country Victoria that people can attend, however, the increasing appeal proves there is scope for more race meetings,” Whiteman said.

“In New South Wales they host 18 race meetings and another in Canberra, while there are 15 race meetings in Queensland.

“Victoria is ready for additional race meetings at country venues on Melbourne Cup Day and we’re ready to talk with Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) about the best way forward on this matter.”

In 2008 there were two additional race meetings added to the Victorian country racing program, with the communities of Moe and Horsham the benefactors.

From its debut Moe’s race meeting ballooned by 94%, while Horsham progressed in its second year by 14.4%.

At Echuca a record crowd attended the races, which was an improvement of 4.6% on last year.

At Bairnsdale attendance increased by 1.2%, while at Mansfield the crowd was up by 8.3% for the picnic meeting as other people enjoyed a Great day Out at Mildura and Wangaratta.

“We’re extremely proud of the efforts of all the country clubs that host a meeting on Melbourne Cup Day and look forward to having more Clubs being presented with the opportunity to develop event race days on this date,” Whiteman said.