- Published:
- Wednesday 1 February 2017
Australia’s premier summer harness racing carnival at Tabcorp Park Melton is being supported by a $180,000 joint funding package announced by the Andrews Labor Government.
The Government is contributing more than $90,000 to the Summer of Glory Carnival through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program. Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) is matching the Government’s contribution.
The first day of the carnival took place on Saturday, 28 January, and attracted a crowd of more than 3000 people.
The carnival will conclude this Saturday, 4 February, with the prestigious $500,000 Hunter Cup, the $200,000 Victoria Derby Final and the $300,000 Pryde’s Easifeed Great Southern Star for trotters.
Stakemoney for the carnival will exceed $1.8 million and entertainment will include live music, a DJ, roving performers and Chenda drumming.
A range of children’s activities will include an animal farm, face-painting, jumping castle and atomic drop-slide.
Return shuttle buses will transport patrons from the regional harness racing centres of Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Maryborough, Warragul, Cranbourne, Kilmore, Echuca, Terang, Geelong, Horsham, Stawell and Hamilton.
Harness racing in Victoria generates more than $421 million in economic benefit each year and employs almost 4000 in full-time equivalent jobs across the state.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“The Andrews Labor Government is proud to support the Summer of Glory Carnival which provides top quality harness racing for the community.”
“I commend Harness Racing Victoria for its hard work in bringing together this year’s carnival which includes entertainment off and on the track.”
Quote attributable to Harness Racing Victoria CEO David Martin
“Harness Racing Victoria is grateful for the Government’s support and with some of the best pacers and trotters in Australasia competing at the Summer of Glory we can guarantee exciting racing and top-notch entertainment.”