Stony Creek Racing Club (SCRC) is ready for Furphy’s Publicans Day this Sunday February 9, with local pub operators to battle it out in the friendly but keenly contested Punters Competition, raising funds for local charities and community groups.
Some Meeniyan Men’s Shed members and partners will enjoy the day of racing, attending as recipients of the SCRC’s Community Fund for season 2024/25.
“We look forward to hosting members of the Meeniyan Men’s Shed on Publicans Day and are very grateful for the work they have done around the grounds in the lead up to the racing season,” said club committee member Sarah Bourke. 
She noted the men’s work includes the establishment of new seating areas and other improvements.
SCRC president John Schuijers said that while the club has been busy with its various improvement projects in recent times, such as establishing a new raceday office and installation of its track irrigation system, there is still work to be done.
He noted that the recently established relationship with beverage partner Furphy will help make future facility upgrades possible. 
Representatives of seven local pubs are sure to relish Sunday’s social vibe, sharing a luncheon and having the chance to claim punting glory while helping community.
The Meeniyan Hotel, Fish Creek Hotel, Inverloch Esplanade Hotel, San Remo Hotel, Foster Exchange Hotel, Mirboo North Hotel and the Middle Korumburra Hotel will all be part of the action.
SCRC is committed to strengthening its community engagement, that demonstrated by its introduction of a Community Fund in 2024.
The racing club is appreciative of the support it has received from the Victorian Bookmakers Association during the first season of a new arrangement that has seen the removal of face-to-face TAB facilities for most country racecourse meetings.
That arrangement will again apply on Publicans Day, with the TAB to only have a presence at the Stony Creek track for the season’s final meeting, The Stony Creek Cup on Sunday March 9.
While the decision was not of its making, the club acknowledges the change has required an adjustment for some patrons and is appreciative of the people’s understanding.
Eleven bookmakers have been present at each Stony Creek meeting this season, ensuring that everyone can still get a bet on at the track in a timely fashion.
Gates open at 12pm for Publicans Day, the first of seven races to start at 1.35pm, each race named after a local hotel.