WOOLAMAI and District Racing Club held its second successful race meeting of the season on Saturday.
The Bendigo Bank Christmas Party Race Day gave racegoers the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the picnic races before winding down for Christmas.
Race four was the inaugural Bendigo Bank 0-28 Handicap, which was won by Anything But.
“We are pleased to acknowledge all the good things the community bank does for the local community and for us,” race secretary Abby Boyle said.
“They do a lot for us in sponsorships and in grants.”
Bendigo Bank chair Kelvin Simpson – who is also the vice president of the Woolamai and District Racing Club committee – was one of the representatives who enjoyed the day and was interviewed by
Alex Scott and Staff’s Greg Price on the track prior to race four.
In the last 20 and half years, the Bendigo Community Bank San Remo, Grantville and Cowes have put $5.2 million back into the community and have been responsible for many community groups.
“We see the Woolamai Racing Club also supports the community and we are happy to support them,” Mr Simpson said.
“The Bendigo Bank Race Day is just another way we can do that, and we look forward to continuing
our partnership with all community groups.
“That’s the whole reason for the setup of the bank – it’s for the community to give back to the community. Everyone wins.”
Mr Simpson said the representatives of the bank were thrilled with the turnout on race day, given Christmas was fast approaching.
The Bendigo Bank was also rattling tins, with donations going to the Cowes Hospital oncology unit.
“We’ve donated $200,000 to the Cowes Hospital oncology unit, which will be opening in June next year. It’s another area where we help the community give back to the community,”
Mr Simpson said.
As well as the Bendigo Bank Handicap, the racing club also ran the Mickey Gordon Island Dash, now in its sixth year.
It was a day for families to enjoy, with face painting around the grounds for the children, Punters’ Club, and kiosks run by Archies Creek and the Kilcunda-Bass Cricket Club.
Dalyston Football Netball Club also volunteered its time behind the bar, and mobile bar the Tipsy Pony was available for the first time.
The next race meeting will be this Saturday, December 28.
The feature is the “Woolamai Whirlwind” over 888 metres, which is Victoria’s annual shortest
Thoroughbred race.
This race is again being sponsored by trainer Dean Binaisse’s 888 Racing brand.
The club is looking forward to a good holiday crowd relaxing after the whirlwind of Christmas.
To join the happy crowd, the club encourages racegoers to just roll up at the gate from 11am on or book tickets and group sites via the website: woolamairaces.com.au.
In the new year, Kids’ Day Out will be on January 11, the Alex Scott and Staff Cup will be on February 8, and March 1 will be the Bass Coast Health Hub Race Day.
Cup Day is already sold out with only general admission available.
