Friday, 13 October 2017

More than 5,000 racegoers are set to flock to the 2017 Moe Cup next Thursday, 19 October, thanks to a $207,000 funding boost supported by the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced the Labor Government is providing almost $90,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund to support the event.

Gippsland region AFL stars, Hawthorn captain Jarryd Roughhead and former Western Bulldogs captain Robert Murphy, will be special guests.

The ever popular ‘Fashions on the Field’ competition will feature alongside other trackside amusements including live music and a DJ in the lawn marquee area.

Free buses from Warragul, Yarragon, Trafalgar, Traralgon and Morwell will ensure that racegoers can get safely to and from the track.

The Moe Racing Club is also providing almost $110,000 towards the race meeting and Country Racing Victoria is contributing $8500.

Last year almost 2,700 people flocked to Moe for the 2016 Cup and the crowd is expected to be even bigger this year with the Latrobe City Council declaring a half-day public holiday in the region.

This year’s Cup is part of Country Racing Victoria’s 2017 Spring Campaign, which covers 51 weekend and feature meetings across the state between 23 September and 26 November.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided almost $191,000 to support four infrastructure projects and two Raceday Attraction Program initiatives at the Moe Racing Club.

The racing industry in the Gippsland region generates more than $59 million annually for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 590 full-time equivalent jobs locally.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

“The Moe Cup is a highlight on the regional racing calendar and is one of the premier events of Country Racing Victoria’s 2017 Spring Campaign.”

“Regional race meetings play a critical role in helping to create jobs and boost the local economy which is why we’re proudly supporting this year’s event.”

Quotes attributable to Moe Racing Club CEO Shane Berry:

“We are extremely grateful to the Victorian Government for its generous support of the Moe Cup, and because of this funding we are able to deliver a fantastic event for the local community.”

“We encourage everyone from across the Latrobe Valley to enjoy the half-day holiday with a great day of racing.”