General News
3 November, 2025
Raising the stakes and the umbrellas
THE Ararat Turf Club has unveiled a major new addition to its facilities just in time for the bet365 Ararat Gold Cup, set for Sunday, November 9th. The club’s new podium enclosure, featuring four large permanent umbrellas, was officially unveiled this week, offering racegoers a prime viewing area right on the winning post and next to the mounting yard.
Vice President Brooke Jess said the project had been on the committee’s wish list for some time.
“It’s something we as a committee wanted to do for a while,” she said.
“So four permanent structures which obviously provide shade on race day as well as for functions. Because we race mainly through the summer through the hotter weather, if visitors are out on the lawn there has never really been somewhere for people to get undercover apart from the trees at the back,” Ms Jess said.
“So this will be able to, on our normal race days, have the ability for people to pop under there and they've got shade.”
The $100,000 project was made possible through a Racing Victoria funding grant, with the Ararat Turf Club contributing $15,000 towards the build.
Club President Adam Atchison said the improvements were part of a broader commitment to enhancing the visitor experience.
“It’s part of a customer service grant,” he said.
“We applied for the grant to be able to build the umbrella area there and then to have it concreted and fenced. For as long as I've been there, which is since 2009, we've been putting up and down umbrellas every year, so now there is a permanent area there not only for the Cup but every race, and also for functions,” Mr Atchison said.
The new podium enclosure is expected to be a versatile asset for the club, suitable for weddings, functions, and feature race day packages.
“It’s a space that can be used for functions and weddings,” Mr Atchison said.
“We are selling it as a package for Cup Day at this point.”
Other race meets throughout the year will continue to offer free access to the area, with the club optimistic about fine weather and strong crowds for the upcoming Ararat Cup.
“We will take the punt that it’s going to be a nice day, there are still umbrella packages available,” Mr Atchison said.
Tickets for the bet365 Ararat Gold Cup can be purchased by contacting Jill Richardson on 0428 523 793 or visiting www.country.racing.com/ararat/calendar/ararat-gold-cup.
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