Good Friday races return to Geelong

FAMILIES, punters, and residents flocked to Geelong Racecourse, helping raise $100,000 for the The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

The Geelong Racing Club hosted Racing Victoria’s Country Discovery Raceday for the second time on Good Friday, to kick off the Easter long weekend.

The donation made by Racing Victoria, Country Racing Victoria and Geelong Racing Club takes total contributions for the Good Friday Appeal by the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry to more than $350,000 over the past five years.

Geelong Racing Club chief executive officer Luke Rayner said it was an overwhelming success hosting Racing Victoria’s annual Good Friday Race Day.

“It was terrific to be connected to a greater cause.

“Obviously we run many race days out her at the racing club, but to actually be connected to the Good Friday Appeal for one of these events, you get to meet some of the families that have a connection to The Royal Children’s Hospital and see first-hand the impact of this fundraiser each year.”

The racing industry’s relationship with the Good Friday Appeal dates back to the original fundraiser 91 years ago.

Curran took home the win in Victoria’s richest country sprint, the $500,000 The Country Discovery, for mother and daughter trainers Lyn Tolson and Leonie Proctor and ridden by jockey Craig Newitt.

Activations were sprawled across the club, headlined by a pop-up farmers market, children’s zone and Easter egg hunt, with $5 from every admission ticket donated to the Appeal.