Geelong Racing Club back on track

THE Geelong Racing Club will return to business as usual next Friday after COVID and racetrack renovations interrupted operations.

Chief executive Daniel Salter said there were plenty of good race meets coming up throughout winter and into spring when the Geelong Cup is held.

“We are thrilled to be back racing after two months off with the track renovations and we have so many great events coming up such as the Surf Coast Times Torquay Cup in May,” he said.

“There is a big desire for people to get back out and socialise and do the things they didn’t get to do last year.

“It’s so good to see people getting back to normality engaging with each other and enjoying each other’s company without the restrictions we have had for the last 12 months.”

Famous for its Friday racing, Mr Salter says that going to the Geelong races isn’t just about watching the horses and that it can be a fun day of culinary and social delights.

“People often take off the afternoon, come and enjoy the hospitality and settle in for the day as they gear up for the weekend,” he said.

“There are lots of different things to do, whether you want to come out by yourself and wander the lawns, book a dining package or be involved with one of the race day events with 250 to 300 people in a room, there are just so many different options.”

Friday, April 30, will be the next race day at Geelong where patrons can book a meal in the members area or just enjoy the great public facilities on offer without the racing bubble in place.

Already more than 250 people have booked in for lunch.

“The bubble has meant jockeys and trainers haven’t been able to mingle with our members, owners and those sorts of things,” Mr Salter said.

“It’s really exciting that people will be able to get closer to the action and go about their business as they have in the past.”

He said the club was looking forward to punters being able to enjoy the races without the COVID restrictions.

“It’s really great to be back to some sort of normality, we are just looking forward to getting back to the event side of the business, seeing our members, key stakeholders, and the general public coming back.”

After a soft re-opening last Tuesday, racegoers will be welcome back on Friday, April 30.