Hold your horses the Ballarat Pacing Cup is back

THE biggest harness racing and pacing event in Ballarat is back again this year, kicking off at the Ballarat Trotting Club this Saturday.

Headlining the card is the feature Group 1 race, the PETstock Ballarat Pacing Cup, the prize pool of over $110,000 makes it the richest regional race in Australia.

Rope your mates into the hilarious Tug – O – War.

Alongside the headliner cup, the event will host 10 to 12 other races, including fixtures from the Victorian Derby heats and Victorian Oaks heats.

Off the track there’ll be an enticing selection of dining options across three levels of the Terrace Restaurant, as well as a more casual experience in the Draught Room and CUB Beer Garden.

Not to mention that every paying patron on the night will automatically go into the draw to win a $3000 holiday to Vanuatu, covering flights and accommodation.

But the night has plenty of other surprises in stock, as the Trotting Club is presenting live musical entertainment and a sweeping range of activities that are fun for the whole family.

These include a team tug-of-war comp, the Elysium Day Spa’s fashions on the field and two live music bands, as well as face-painting and a PETstock jumping castle for kids.

General manager of operations Ash Madder said that all visitors on the night will have something to look forward to, no matter their age.

“It’s a great family event. It’s relaxed and casual, there’s great racing on the track plus plenty of things to keep you entertained off the track,” he said.

There are a range of sponsored Elysium Day Spa Prizes to be won on the night.

Anyone over the age of 18 can enter the tug-of-war competition in teams of five, with the winning team walking away with $500 out of an $850 cash pool.

Two new classes have been added to the Elysium Day Spa fashions on the field, with best dressed industry participants and best dressed male joining the continuing categories of best dressed lady and best dressed child.

The Trotting Club has also announced that 100 per cent of the Pacing Cup night gate takings will be donated to Wildlife Victoria, in order to help support animals caught up in the recent bushfires.

“We thought that would be the best way to support the animals that are affected by the fires, so we’re hoping to raise $5000,” Mr Madder said.

The 2020 PETstock Ballarat Pacing Cup is set for this Saturday, 18 January from 5pm at the Ballarat Trotting Club, Bell Street, Redan.

General Entry is $15 for adults, $10 concession and under 18s are free when accompanied by an adult.

For more information visit ballarattrottingclub.com.au/racing/pacing-cup-2019.