General News
26 October, 2023
Off to the races
ALL roads lead to Mortlake when the annual running of the Bet365 Mortlake Cup, the largest Mortlake community event, is held next Saturday, November 4.
ALL roads lead to Mortlake when the annual running of the Bet365 Mortlake Cup, the largest Mortlake community event, is held next Saturday, November 4.
Mortlake Racing Club president Bruce Redpath said the track was looking better than ever as the event prepares to host a crowd for the first time since 2019.
“In 2020 and 2021 we held a race meeting without crowds due to COVID-19 and in 2022 the committee was forced to make the tough decision to cancel the races a week prior due to the heavy spring rains and the venue being too wet to accommodate patrons and horses,” he said.
“Nonetheless here we are in 2023 and all cylinders are firing for a great day for those that attend.
“We have worked hard on improving the facilities at the venue over the past three years for patrons and horses and I’m sure that these improvements will not go unnoticed on race day as well as making the event logistically easier for the club to host.”
Mr Redpath said pre-sales for the day had been “very strong” with individual marquee packages fully sold, and strong numbers booked into the Spring Fling all-inclusive marquee.
“There are still a number of tickets available for that marquee and we still have some umbrella packages available as well, or of course people are more than welcome to just turn up on the day purchase a ticket at the gate and set about having a relaxed day at the country races,” he said.
“On course we have something for everyone, free kids activities including jumping castles, face painting, birdhouse building workshop and free backpacks for kids.
“Racegoers will be entertained on the day with live music, a range of food vendors including barbecue, fast food, coffee, ice cream and of course the drinks will be ice cold and ready to be served at the public bars from 11.30am onwards.”
Fashions on the Field will be conducted in a different format this year with entrants having their photo taken in front of a green wall and judging taking place after 3pm.
Mr Redpath said a number of larger clubs had opted to take this approach with Fashions on the Field to ensure the entrants are not subjected to unwanted banter from others on the day and these clubs have seen an increase in the number of entrants in this new format.
Prizes on offer include travel vouchers, fashion vouchers, hospitality vouchers and produce baskets.
Punters will be well catered for on the day with two TAB Vans on course and three bookmakers taking bets on all local, Victorian and interstate race meetings in the comfort of the improved betting shed that now has a new concrete floor and a new display of TVs for people to watch the races on.
Seven races are programmed for the day with the first race set to kick off after 12.30pm, with gates open at 11.30am.
Transport options are also available for those wishing to attend with buses departing at 11.30am from the Cally Hotel in Warrnambool and the Camperdown Clocktower.
Local shuttles will run from 11.30am onwards from the Mt. Shadwell and Mac’s Hotel.
Bookings for the Warrnambool and Camperdown services are required.
Mr Redpath encouraged people to visit the club’s website to make bookings www.countryracing/mortlake or call 0400 557 625.