By RUSSELL BENNETT
SPRING racing at the new Pakenham Racecourse is back with a bang this weekend with Empire Guineas Day on Saturday.
And next week – on Thursday, 15 October – the Tynong facility will host a nine-race program featuring over $350,000 in prize money, which has been transferred from Moe in the wake of last-minute track renovations.
Pakenham Racing Club CEO Michael Hodge is thrilled with the boost to the local racing calendar, saying: “The transfer of the meeting from Moe Racing Club is a great addition to our feature race days during Spring, and it also is a huge vote of confidence by the industry in this new racecourse.
“The nine-race program has $350,000 in prize money and this will guarantee premium racing, (and) outstanding race fields with the best jockeys and trainers participating.
“It is further evidence of the Pakenham Racing Club delivering a premium racing and wagering product for the Victorian racing industry and its customers.”
The highlight of next Thursday’s card will be the $120,000 Browns Sawdust and Shavings Cup.
Hospitality packages are still available and entry will be free for all racegoers on the day.
Racing action, entertainment and fashion will all go hand-in-hand this month at Racing.com Park (the new Pakenham Racecourse).
Great weather is forecast for this Saturday – Empire Guineas Day – when the popular ‘lawn party’ package will return.
The day will be hosted in conjunction with Empire nightclub, with entertainment provided by their resident DJs. Tickets are still available and are just $55.
Gates open from 11am this Saturday with general admission tickets on sale for just $20 and memberships from $110. Racing action live from Caulfield will also be shown on the big screen.
The ‘Off the Bench’ enclosure will be hosted by Craig ‘Hutchy’ Hutchison, Liam ‘Pickers’ Pickering and John ‘Dr Turf’ Rothfield and they’ll be broadcasting their radio show live. The enclosure includes drinks and finger food all day, as well as – of course – plenty of punting action.
Pakenham Racing Club will again have free courtesy buses departing from the Cardinia Club, Pakenham and Tynong train stations for both race days. For further details on buses, the race days, and ticketing visit the racing club’s website at www.pakenhamracing.com.au.
