Picnic races will draw a crowd at Yea Racing

Yea Racing president Denis Smith said he was excited to see people from across the region flocking to Yea for a relaxing day at the races.

“Picnic racing at Yea for the spring and early summer is a great opportunity for an affordable family fun day at the races,” Smith said.

“You can relax and safely get close to the horses and their colourful jockeys.

“Six exciting picnic races are run on Saturday, November 18, and Sunday, December 10, highlighted by the famous Sister Olive handicap on December 10.

“At 3000m, it is the longest race on the picnic circuit.

“Local Seymour trainers Don Dwyer and Gordon Strang will be aiming horses at that event, as will last year’s leading trainer at the picnics, Troy Kilgower from Traralgon.”

With the summer sports season in full swing, the December 10 meeting presents a great opportunity for sportspeople whose Saturdays are usually busy to enjoy a day out at the races.

Free children’s activities will be run on the day, including Kelly Sports, face painting and pony rides.

Early-bird admissions are $10 until October 23 for the November race meet and November 21 for the December race day.

The meets provide the perfect opportunity to book an affordable end-of-year function for your workplace or sporting club.

Yea Racing will run a bus from Alexandra, Yaark and Molesworth to the course and return.

Bookings are essential for this service.

Patrons can bring their own food and drink or arrange a catering package through the club’s caterer, Kerry Tull.

The online canteen and bar offer a great food and drink selection, with profits going to local charities.

For those wishing to make a base on the course, you can book a shaded site with tables and chairs for about 10-12 people for $75.

If you want to be close to the action, booking an eight-person umbrella for $140 is your best bet.

With fresh faces at the club’s helm, Smith said the day would be all about the community.

“The Yea Racing committee has been refreshed this season with a new secretary, Sarah Austin, and treasurer, Pauline Macdowell,” he said.

“(Both are) keen to see members of the local community back enjoying these family days.

“Sarah, who started with the club last year doing online publicity, was keen to step up as secretary to keep these wonderful events going in Yea.

“Sarah, who, along with Pauline, helped run the Murrindindi hub, saw the racing club as a great way to get involved in local events.”

Club memberships are $40 and offer a bargain way to attend all of the year’s meetings at Yea.

Yea members also have reciprocal rights at Alexandra and Mansfield.

These can be purchased online at the Yea Racing website or contact the club directly at yearacing@gmail.com

Scan the Yea Racing ad in The Telegraph or go to countryracingvictoria.com/yearacing for details of all the packages and to book.