Countdown to Victorian Premier Saturday
13 Feb 2012 | Racing Victoria Ltd The countdown to country Victoria’s first Premier Saturday Meeting next month at Bendigo has officially begun with the launch of the Yalumba Golden Mile Raceday in Melbourne on Monday.
The Yalumba Golden Mile Raceday will replace the standard Melbourne metropolitan fixture on 17 March and bring the stars of the sport to country Victoria in racing’s most popular timeslot.
A total of $830,000 in prize money and bonuses will be on offer on the day with the feature events being the Yalumba Golden Mile, the Bendigo Bank Guineas, the Catanach Jewellers Gold Bracelet and the Centrebet Gold Stayers Final.
The raceday, which will command national attention as part of the Melbourne Festival of Racing, will be the centrepiece of a weekend showcasing the City of Greater Bendigo and its many attractions.
Along with the historic raceday, the weekend will showcase the highly anticipated Grace Kelly Exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery and the Bendigo Olive & Jazz Fiesta which will be held on the Sunday.
Minister for Racing Denis Napthine, who officially launched the raceday at a function at the Albert Park Hotel, said it was another welcome addition to Victoria’s enviable racing calendar.
“Bendigo is a leading racing region and is known as our Nursery of Champions. It is therefore fitting that it be awarded the Golden Mile Race Day as a premier Saturday meeting for the next three years,” Dr Napthine said.
“Significant Super VOBIS bonuses are available in four races on the day for Victorian bred racehorses which further helps to grow the State’s breeding industry, an employer of many thousands in country Victoria. This fits with the Coalition Government's racing initiative, VOBIS Gold, which will see even greater incentives of up to $18 million provided to owners of Victorian bred racehorses.
“The Bendigo Jockey Club is to be congratulated for its ongoing efforts to promote Victorian racing.”
Bendigo Jockey Club (BJC) Chief Executive, Ian Hart, said that plans are progressing well for the St Patrick’s Day meeting with the BJC looking to build a whole entertainment experience.