A high country day at the races, Country News, Shepparton VIC

Racegoers will have the chance to experience the high country at Mansfield Racecourse on Tuesday, November 3. Mansfields Melbourne Cup Day is the final event in the Mansfield High Country Festival which will include village fairs, food and wine events, arts, exhibitions, a grand parade, torchlight parade, fireworks, an upmarket marquee priced from $100 for the first 100 tickets sold and fashions on the field. The six-race card will feature the running of the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on the big screen, and Mansfield District Racing Club will be offering a range of promotions including accommodation packages to attract people for the long weekend. Mansfield District Racing Club president Garry Hubbard said the raceday would help the club increase its reach with a broader marketing campaign which would also enhance the tourism appeal of the town. The continuation of our race meetings is vitally important for the economic viability of our community, Mr Hubbard said. State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the race day was being supported by the Andrews Governments Raceday Attraction Program. The high country is popular for its food, wine and arts, so it is fitting to see Mansfield District Racing Club drawing on the regions popularity to make its picnic racing event even more successful, Ms Symes said.