New Year picnic at Pakenham

THE Pakenham Picnic Racing Club will hold its historical New Year’s Day picnic race meeting again on Saturday, 1 January.
The club first raced in 1875 and the day is always a great family and social occasion enjoyed each year throughout the district by members and the public, many of whom have been attending the event for many years.
It is described as a festive occasion where many acquaintances are renewed and a relaxed spirit pervades the course and its surroundings.
The Pakenham Picnic Racing Club also assists the community by donating all proceeds from the race meeting to St. Patrick’s School in Pakenham.
The club will conduct a six-event program, with the first race after 1pm.
The highlight of the program will be the G. and K. O’Connor Pakenham Picnic Cup over 1750 metres.
This year’s was taken out by local galloper William trained by popular mentor Michael Phillips, a great supporter of the picnic club.
This year the club will honour the memory of former secretary and committee member David Joseph Bourke who died in May, with a race named in his honour.
This event is to become an annual attraction and is being sponsored by Le Pine Funeral Services.
The race is an open-trophy event over 1300 metres and will hopefully draw a good field.
Mr Bourke was a tireless worker for the community and loved his involvement with the Pakenham Picnic Racing Club and the Pakenham Racing Club.
His advice on racing was always sought and he attended all committee meetings, even when not in good health.
Another valued sponsor, Cremin Frank Facey First National, will again sponsor the Maiden Handicap over 1000 metres, while the club has thanked Cardinia Shire Council that will again support the event.
Camp Australia will be in attendance with many children’s activities and attractions and the famous children’s foot races on the course proper between races are always popular.
Full bar facilities will be available on course and punters will have the choice of TAB and bookmakers operating on all local, metropolitan, Mornington, Bairnsdale and interstate meetings.
Marquees will be available for the day. The mini marquee can handle groups of 10 and has proved popular providing a great vantage point to the mounting yard and the horses parading before the race.
The racecaller for the local events will be Rob Testa from radio Sport 927.
The picnic racing club has thanked Pakenham Racing Club for the use of the course’s facilities and entry will be $10 with memberships available.
For further details or to book a mini marquee contact the honorary secretary Bill Quin on 9707 4142.