Jaidyn Kennedy
Next month’s Werribee Cup has received a cash injection from the state government.
Racing Minister Anthony Carbines visited Werribee Racecourse on Wedneasday, November 20, to announce the state government would provide $20,000 for trackside entertainment at the race day on December 8.
The forecasted 5000 racegoers are set to enjoy a range of activities, including live music, fashions on the field and children’s entertainment such as face painting and a mobile play centre.
A free shuttle bus service will run from Werribee’s city centre to the racecourse so that patrons can get safely to and from the track, according to the state government.
The Werribee Racing Club will contribute more than $90,000 towards the race day, while Country Racing Victoria will provide $8000.
Werribee Racing Club chairman Bob Jarvis said the club is “lifting the standard of offering for patrons attending the Werribee Cup”.
“Running the cup isn’t all that easy, frankly, and the contributions are just so important to us,” he said.
“Without it, we would be in trouble.”
Mr Carbrines racing events like the Werribee Cup. bring the community together and support local jobs and the economy.
“We’re giving people and families, who are at the time, a bit under the pump, a little bit more when they come along,” he said.
“It’s not just the racing, it’s an event for the day.”
Tarneit MP Dylan Wight said he was looking forward to race day.
“I look forward to seeing the entertainment come alive at this year’s cup and I hope everyone has a fantastic time on and off the track,” he said.
The Werribee Cup is one of the highlights of the region’s calendar and a popular destination for end-of-year functions.
According to the state government, the racing industry in Victoria generates $4.7 billion annually and helps sustain almost 35,000 full-time equivalent jobs locally.
