State Government funding support to help club expand promotion of its big race day MANSFIELD District Racing Club has prepartions well underway for its Melbourne Cup picnic race day. Club secretary, Susan Kinloch, said people in the area have made a tradition of being part of the picnic race meeting on the first Tuesday in November (Nov. 3, this year), while many drove from Melbourne and other cities and towns to enjoy a special holiday family day in the country. This year the Mansfield fashion on the field categories will have prizes valued at $8000 while the prize pool for the six races is $18,000, and the main race is the Catanach Plate. Melbourne racing guru, Deane Lester, first went to a race meeting at Mansfield in 1980 and for the past 35 years has tried to get back as often as possible. A race meeting at Mansfield is quintessential Australiana, Lester said. The facilities are set amongst the shade of the tracks, the track is small but provides great viewing for spectators, whilst food is plentiful and the drinks icy cold. What more could you want for a day at the races? Throw in bluegrass artists the Davidson Brothers and their four-piece band, roving musicians, bookmakers, TAB, a big screen and a wide range of food and drink options (BYO beer is not permitted) and all bases are covered. The club also is still taking bookings for catering packages (phone 03 57753000). HOOFNOTE: Mansfield will also conduct is famous Christmas race day on the first Sunday in December (the 6th). Some of the states top picnic horses and jockeys will contest the Mansfield Cup and the whole day is designed to be a giant fun Christmas party for parents as well as kids. VIP guest of the day will be Santa, while Dean Lesters presence is an odds-on chance! A TASTE of the high country will delight racegoers at Mansfield Racecourse this Melbourne Cup Day, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Governments Raceday Attraction Program. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) said the government is providing $26,000 from the program, of which the the Mansfield District Racing Club will spend $13,380, with in kind contributions of about $13,000. Club president Garry Hubbard thanked the government for the funding support towards the Catanach Plate Melbourne Cup Day race meeting. We will now be able to increase our reach with a broader marketing and promotions campaign which will also enhance the tourism appeal of our town, he said. The continuation of our race meetings is vitally important for the economic viability of our community. We look forward to attracting greater race day patronage through the Raceday Attraction Program funding. Mansfields Melbourne Cup Day race meeting is the final event of the Mansfield High Country Festival, which includes village fairs, food and wine events, arts, exhibitions, a grand parade, torchlight parade, fireworks, an upmarket marquee from $100 for the first 100 tickets sold with fashions on the field open to all racegoers. The six race card will feature the running of the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on the big screen and the club is offering a range of promotions including accommodation packages to attract people for the long weekend. The Melbourne Cup long weekend is a major event for Mansfield, showing off one of the most picturesque parts of Victoria, Ms Symes said. 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.