Fire up for a free day at the races

By Melissa Grant
FAMILIES who have had it tough in recent times will be able to enjoy a free day out at the Drouin races this month as part of Drouin Ficifolia Festival and help firefighters along the way.
The Drouin Picnic Racing Club will waive admission fees at the race meeting on Saturday and CFA units wishing to set up a marquee can do so free of charge.
The club president, Edwin Batt, said the committee hoped the free day out would help ease the stress and strain of fighting fires and dealing with the drought.
“The committee acknowledges what a tough year it has been and many families will find it hard to find entertainment dollars at the end of the school holidays,” he said.
The race meeting, the club’s second for the year, will feature the Ficifolia Cup as well as heat three of the Victorian Bookmakers Association middledistance series, which is expected to attract a strong field of picnic gallopers.
Mr Batt said punters would be catered for with a TAB and bookmakers available on the day.
“The race meet coincides with the C.F Orr Stakes (at Caulfield), so it is the perfect day for punters to come down and have a bet,” he said.
Children’s activities include a lolly drop and families can take advantage of the lush lawns, which are ideal for a picnic.
Gates will open at 11.30am.