Sport
23 March, 2023
Races return to Avoca track this weekend
Racing is set to return to Avoca for the first time in a year when the Avoca Autumn Races get on the track this weekend. Seven races are on the card throughout the day, which is set to be a great fillip for the Avoca Shire Turf Club who were unable...
Racing is set to return to Avoca for the first time in a year when the Avoca Autumn Races get on the track this weekend.
Seven races are on the card throughout the day, which is set to be a great fillip for the Avoca Shire Turf Club who were unable to hold their most recent major event, the Avoca Cup due to the devastating October floods in the area.
“We’re certainly excited about tomorrow. It’s been a year since we’ve raced due to the floods cancelling the Avoca Cup in October. The community and club are excited to be out and about and opening the facilities once again,” Avoca Shire Turf Club’s Kate Kirkpatrick said.
Kirkpatrick was keen to reward local members and clubs who helped keep Avoca ticking during the floods with free tickets for the day.
“We’re a resilient bunch, and Avoca is a great community for that. We didn’t have that much damage we haven’t been able to fix. Everything is ready for Saturday, and we also wanted to thank our community members and volunteers who assisted the club and in general, so we had tickets go out to local clubs and we hope they can come and enjoy the day with us,” she said.
Kirkpatrick anticipates a big crowd for the day, with ticket sales currently on par with previous meetings.
“Our packages are on par with most March race meets for the club. It’s great to see our regulars come back, as well as our members, who have had a tough time over the last three years with not many races in front of supporters as well. We hope to get about 1500 to 2000 on the day. The weather looks fabulous, we’ll wait and see what happens,” she said.
Highlights of the day include races three and six, which will both be held over 1860 metres. Kirkpatrick said that particular race distance always thrills the crowd given the proximity of the horses.
“It’s always great when we have the 1860 m race where the horses jump and finish in front of the crowd. Hearing the crowd’s anticipation and the hooves on the track is always great. It’s a great way to start and finish the day with,” she said.
Kirkpatrick added there will be many great off-track activations throughout the day to keep punters and children alike interested.
“We have great off-track activities, such as a jumping castle, giant games, plenty of lawns for picnics and live entertainment from the Untapped Acoustic Duo from Ballarat. It’s a great day for members of the community to get out and enjoy,” she said.
Free buses will launch from Avoca, Moonambel, Maryborough and Ballarat on the day.
Gates for tomorrow’s race meet opens at 11 am, while tickets can be bought at avoca.tickets.country racing.com.au