Irish spirit on show for Geelong raceday

GEELONG punters hope the luck of the Irish flows into their trackside fortunes this month when local racing returns for the Geelong St Pat’s Cup.

Tinges of green will fill Geelong Racecourse grandstands and thoroughfares on March 19 for Geelong Racing Club’s annual Irish-themed raceday, which kicks of its autumn calendar this year.

GRC offers a range of entry options so that there’s something for everyone on the day, from general admission entry for a picnic on the lawn, all the way up to hospitality packages and marquee entry.

Children’s entertainment and fashions on the fields events, including Irish-themed competitions, will complement the on-track action.

This year’s Luck of the Irish marquee is the St Pat’s Cup’s hottest ticket, with live music from Kim Cooper, a barbecue lunch, drinks and track views all helping raise money for the Embrace Awareness Fund.

Embrace Awareness is a Geelong domestic violence charity founded in 2018 by survivor Chelsea Dolby.

It provides financial assistance to families in crisis so children don’t miss out on their favourite activities, such as sport and music lessons.

“I am absolutely delighted and excited to be working in partnership with the Geelong St Patrick’s Racing Club,” Ms Dolby said.

“Funds raised on this day will assist families doing it tough in the region and struggling to pay for recreational activities for their children.”

Geelong breast care nurses charity Pink Angels will also return to their fixture on the local racing calendar, and have already sold out a marquee for its major fundraiser.

Local women Wendy Boddington and Janet Edwards launched the initiative in 2016 to raise money for the McGrath Foundation, which provides breast care nurses across Australia to assist people diagnosed with the disease.

“This is our sixth Associated Cold Tread Tyres Pink Angels Raceday and we are pumped to be going Irish on Geelong St Pat’s Cup Day,” Ms Boddington said.

“This raceday is our major fundraiser of the year and we aim to provide support to our very own breast care nurses.

“It is always such a happy and fun day but the end result is that we can raise money for a cause that is very close to my heart.”

Meanwhile, organisers will also acknowledge the contributions of local healthcare staff on the day.

Barwon Health Foundation will provide the barbecue lunch, while essential workers can receive a free entry ticket online.

GRC will host an eight-race program on St Pat’s Cup Day, while the Geelong Racecourse Super Screen will show other blue-ribbon autumn races from across Australia, including the All Star Mile at Flemington and the Golden Slipper at Rosehill.