Spring meet ready for racing

WINE lovers and racing enthusiasts will be right at home at this year’s Blue Pyrenees Estate Avoca Cup.

Gates will be open from 11am on Saturday 21 October for a day of racing in the Pyrenees wine region.

It will be the first time the event has gone ahead in three years following the COVID-19 pandemic and flooding, and Avoca Turf Club manager Kate Kirkpatrick said it’s great to be back.

“We haven’t raced since 2019 so we’re very excited to be back,” she said. “We had a bit of a false start last year with the floods and the event being cancelled just three days prior.”

They day will have something for the whole family with seven races, wine, and children’s activities.

There will also be a $3000 prize pool for fashions on the field, live entertainment and buses running from Ballarat.

“We’ve got plenty of marquees still available and lots for the kids this year with an obstacle course, a jumping castle, plenty of food trucks and Blue Pyrenees Estate wines,” said Ms Kirkpatrick.

“This year is really just about getting everyone back as it feels a bit surreal to be planning after so long.”

In a post-pandemic world, Ms Kirkpatrick said organisations are having to plan events in different ways.

“The world has changed and consumer habits have changed so trying to plan an event in a post COVID world is quite different,” she said.

“People tend to book more last minute now and with the economy people are holding back to see if they have the resources to attend.”

It is hoped the event will support the local economy and put Avoca on the map.

“Often events like ours where we see 5000 or more people generate a huge economic impact,” said Ms Kirkpatrick.

“It’s also about taking pride in our town and our region and showcasing what we have to offer.”

To book tickets and packages visit country.racing.com/avoca.