Stawell horse racing season will commence with the first meet hosted on October 22.
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With two new races added to the list, it sure will be a day of firsts at the Stawell Racing Club.
The club’s operations manager Mark Percival said the committee was looking forward to welcoming the Stawell community to see the new infrastructure at the opening race day.
“We have had a lot of work done around the grounds during the offseason,” he said.
Works include replacement of the judge's tower, a $220,000 project funded by the state government, Racing Victoria and the club itself.
Mr Percival said the committee has been working hard behind the scenes over the winter months both on and off the track.
Stawell’s race eight will be a 3600 metres race – a contributor to the the points system which will decide the 2018 Jericho Cup field in Warrnambool.
“When the Jericho Cup was first announced the club committee jumped on the front foot and contacted Racing Victoria about hosting a race to build up to the distance of the main event,” he said.
The race in Warrnambool is named after The Jericho Cup, which originated from a race in the First World War over 3 miles through the desert sands.
The winner of the original race was Bill the Bastard, noted as Australia’s Greatest War Horse.
The Jericho Cup will be re-run annually from the 100th anniversary in 2018 to honour Bill the Bastard and the Australian Light Horsemen.
The race, which will carry stake money of $300,000 and be run over 4600 metres, is the brainchild of Victorian businessman Bill Gibbons.
“The Stawell race will contribute to the points system which will decide the 2018 field in Warrnambool,” Mr Percival said.
Mr Percival said the 3600m race will be the longest race run at Stawell for some time.
“There aren’t many other races around of this distance on the flat, we are really excited about the race at the club,” he said.
The long race will suit steeplechasers and Percival said it gives “jump jockeys” a chance to ride on the flat.
“By hosting the race we are bringing in another dimension of racing to Stawell for race fans and the wider community to enjoy,” he said.
“Bill Gibbons, founder of the Jericho Cup will be in attendance on the day. He has kindly donated hard copies of the book Bill the Bastard which will be distributed on the day as a memento to those connected with the race”.
Stawell’s race meet will also enable Wimmera trainers a chance to qualify for the Melbourne Cup Carnival Country Series after cancellation at Murtoa on Saturday, October 6.
