Media Releases

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said the close-knit community of Willaura will receive funding support from the Victorian Coalition Government to celebrate its racing history, rediscovered in an old bookies’ bag.

“The Willaura Cup is a new race day launched last year, after an old bookies bag full of memorabilia was given to the Ararat Turf Club (ATC), revealing the history of the long-disbanded Willaura Racing Club,” Mr Delahunty said.

Mr Delahunty said the Coalition Government is providing $24,250 to help local residents celebrate that history and attract spectators from Ararat and the Grampians region.

“The Willaura Cup is a sensational racing initiative to celebrate all those involved in the Willaura Racing Club, which ran its last race in November 1957, but was rediscovered just recently,” Mr Delahunty said.

“With funding from the Coalition Government’s Raceday Attraction Program, the Ararat Turf Club is keen to attract as many Willaura locals, past and present, to come and celebrate.

“There will be a special Willaura marquee enclosure, free race books, commemorative stubby holders and pens, and free food and drink vouchers for the first 1,000 ticket holders from Willaura and the surrounding districts.

“The Willaura Cup Day will also have important benefits to the local community, with a food and wine festival featuring local producers and a $1,000 foot race for the fastest footballers and netballers in the district,” Mr Delahunty said.

Ararat Turf Club Manager Adam Atchison said the Club would like to thank the Minister for Racing Denis Napthine and the Victorian Coalition Government for making it possible to have a dedicated Willaura residents’ enclosure on Willaura Cup Day.

“Willaura Cup Day is about remembering the Willaura Racing Club that disbanded in 1964 and the families and friends of the committee persons, trainers, jockeys and race horse owners that were involved with the club,” Mr Atchison said.

“Willaura Cup Day will be an annual event held on the last Sunday in April and we ask all Willaura and District residents as well as those that once called Willaura home to come along and enjoy a great day out.”

Minister for Racing Denis Napthine Dr Napthine said a total of $36,300 has been invested in this first ever staging of the Willaura Cup at Ararat.  This includes $7,050 from Ararat Turf Club, $4,000 from Country Racing Victoria and $1,000 from the Ararat Council Events Team.

“The Coalition Government's Raceday Attraction Program is made up of all on-course wagering taxes that are put back to the racing industry to support initiatives aimed at increasing on-course attendance at Victorian race meetings,” he said.

“The Raceday Attraction Program aims to attract people back to the state’s racetracks and target new audiences through partnering with the local community,” Dr Napthine said.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has congratulated Mr Christopher McLeod of Hamilton on receiving an Eric and Jan Wilson Scholarship.

“Christopher is one of eight young people from across Victoria with a demonstrated interest in Victoria’s greyhound racing industry,” Mr Delahunty said.

The scholarship recipients came from a range of backgrounds including teaching, veterinary studies, and direct experience in the industry.  Each will share in $25,000 to start their racing careers.

Mr Delahunty said the Eric & Jan Wilson Scholarship was introduced in July 2010, thanks to a generous donation from Craig Wilson, the son of much-loved greyhound racing identities Eric and Jan Wilson.  Since its inception, this award has done an excellent job encouraging and supporting young people in the industry.

“Young Victorians bring with them a fresh perspective and new ideas about how to grow the greyhound racing industry and it is pleasing to see a young western Victorian recognised in this way.  I wish Christopher every success in his endeavours and I have no doubt he will contribute to the future of the Victorian racing industry,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Wilson’s estate is contributing $10,000 each year for 10 years toward the scholarship.  Greyhound Racing Victoria is also providing additional funds toward the initiative.

Jan Wilson was a former Greyhound Racing Victorian Chairman and local Dandenong MP, with an outstanding record in racing administration and community and animal welfare initiatives.  Her husband Eric was also a passionate contributor to the greyhound racing community and the Dandenong community, the town in which he was born and later went on to become Mayor.

 

One of the most popular Spring Racing Carnival Country events, the annual Dunkeld Cup, is to have its racing grounds overhauled through a $124,000 project for new roads and footpaths funded by the Victorian Government.

The Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty, inspected Dunkeld racecourse today to announce the development project on behalf of Minister for Racing Denis Napthine and cup organisers, Dunkeld Racing Club.

“Dunkeld is one of the flagship events for country racing with crowds in excess of 12,000 now the norm at this unique and picturesque race meeting,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The funding will assist in the installation of 2,600 square metres of sealed roadways and pathways throughout the venue and provide race day patrons with comfortable and safe means to move around the venue.

“The facilities will significantly enhance the customers’ race day experiences which will have a very positive impact on the reputation of Country Racing at small one day a year venues in the South West,” Dunkeld Racing Club spokesperson Karen Van Kempen said.

The State Government contributed $60,000, while Racing Victoria Limited and Country Racing Victoria jointly contributed the remaining $64,000.

“We are delighted that the State Government has agreed to fund with Country Racing Victoria and Racing Victoria the construction of roads and pathways throughout the Dunkeld racecourse and we thank them for their contribution,” Country Racing Victoria CEO Scott Whiteman said.

“Dunkeld is living proof that racing is a viable community asset with many local community groups receiving benefits. It is further evidence that small communities are more than capable of conducting significant local events.

“Last year terrible weather meant a reduction in numbers but all early indicators are that crowd numbers will return to 2009 levels this year and these upgrades will be welcomed by all,” Mr Whiteman said.

Minister for Racing Denis Napthine congratulated the Dunkeld Racing Club for gaining TAB status for the Dunkeld Cup this year, which includes a significant increase in prize money for owners and trainers, and will assist the club in continuing to attract a diverse crowd to the annual event.

“The Victorian Government is firmly committed to supporting country racing, and to help Victoria’s $2 billion racing industry grow and continue its enormous economic contribution to Victoria,” Dr Napthine said.

“The State Government is committed to Victorian racing, and has established the $79.5 million Victorian Racing Industry Fund through which unclaimed wagering dividends and on-course wagering taxes are returned to the racing industry through projects such as this.”

Over the next four years, the VRIF will be a source of at least $30 million in funding for significant improvements to racetracks, training infrastructure and public facilities at racing venues across Victoria.