- Published:
- Friday 1 April 2016
Minister for Racing Martin Pakula will help make history for the Pakenham Racing Club (PRC) when he launches the first night race meeting at Racing.com Park this month.
The PRC is marking the historic occasion with a night to remember on Thursday 7 April 2016, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Guests will be treated to a ‘Night Under the Stars’ with a special marquee draped with fairy lights across the canopy, and be entertained by the exciting Ignite Fire Show with roving entertainers.
Visitors will also enjoy a fine dining experience with cocktails, canapés, gourmet tapas, premium beverages and desserts.
Racegoers who get in early will have the chance to purchase one of the 150 discounted ‘Night Under the Stars’ marquee tickets available online for just $55 - a $20 reduction on the normal $75 ticket price.
Racing.com Park is now Victoria’s third night racing venue and will host 28 Thursday night meetings annually to complement the Friday and Saturday night meetings at Moonee Valley and Cranbourne.
The Government is providing $24,000 towards the $53,000 inaugural event, courtesy of its Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program.
The PRC is contributing $13,000 with Country Racing Victoria providing more than $15,000 to support the night.
The racing industry in the outer Melbourne region generates more than $375 million annually for the Victorian economy and helps sustain over 3700 full-time equivalent jobs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
“We’re very happy to support such an entertaining opening for night racing at Pakenham, making it only the third racing venue in Victoria to hold night races.”
“Outer metro racing is an important part of the industry and we’re very happy to be expanding it into night races.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Daniel Mulino
“We are proud to be supporting the Pakenham Racing Club as it makes history with this fantastic event in our community.”
“The event will be a unique attraction for both locals and racegoers who enjoy night racing.”
Quotes attributable to Pakenham Racing Club Chairman Don Duffy
“The Pakenham Racing Club appreciates the generous support from the Victorian Government to help us launch night racing at Racing.com Park.”
“It is going to be a great night and we are confident our ongoing Thursday night meetings will be a major drawcard for locals and visitors alike.”