By Brendan Rees
It’s that time of the year again, the race that stops a nation.
And for the first time people can experience the Melbourne Cup Day races at the Cranbourne Turf Club on Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday 7 November.
With an expected crowd of nearly 6000 people, there will be live music and entertainment on course to backdrop an incredible day of racing.
Cranbourne Turf Club CEO Neil Bainbridge said attendees wouldn’t have to worry about missing the big race as there would be a big screen with all of the action from Flemington.
“It’s a great opportunity for us as club, great opportunity for the vast population in the South-East to come to their love track; enjoy Melbourne Cup Day. This is the first time as a club we’ve been fortunate enough to run Melbourne Cup Day,” he said.
There will be free entry and activities entry for kids and an enticing offer for adults too.
“We’ve got a special offer on at the moment for adults. Admittedly, its only $15 for adults for a ticket but if you go online and buy a ticket you can buy one, get one free which is a great two for one offer running at the moment,” Mr Bainbridge said.
“We think it’ll be a very good affordable day. All the big screens on course will be promoting the Melbourne Cup. What better way to spend Melbourne Cup Day than at your local track.”
He said there would be an opportunity for those wanting to enjoy all of the racing action right from the mounting yard to the winning post.
“It’ll be great for everyone that wants to get involved. We’re certainly putting on lots of kids and family activities, and a big carnival on course. It’ll be a great day for everyone.”
Mr Bainbridge said the Turf Club celebrated a wonderful 150 years of racing in April this year and next week’s Melbourne Cup Day at the Turf Club would be a great way to “finish off a big spring.”
“It’s a big couple of weeks for us, but probably none bigger than Melbourne Cup Day. I’m sure it’ll be an enormous day. I don’t think we’ve put on at the Cranbourne races over the years as much entertainment and activities to make it a real family day.”
“We’re delighted for the first time Cranbourne has been given the opportunity on the day that stops the nation. We certainly encourage a lot of people to come out and enjoy the races,” he said.
He said parking and kids rides will be free with pony rides on course for “families who want to get up close and experience riding a horse themselves.”
Activities for kids also include dodgem cars, rock star ride, animals of Oz, tea cup ride, pirate ship, jumping castles and more.
Gates open at 10.30am with the first race at 12.30pm and last race at 4.15pm.
Mr Bainbridge said the club was excited to also host the popular City of Casey Tricodes race day at Cranbourne Turf Club on Saturday 18 November.
