by Kyle Galley
One of the biggest promotions seen at a local race meeting will be the highlight of the Warragul Cup trots raceday at Logan Park this Monday June 9.
Two lucky racegoers will have their name drawn to potentially win $5000 each. Their names will be randomly drawn alongside a starter in either the Downtowner Warragul Pacing Cup or Eddie Evison Memorial Trotters Cup races - if their particular horse wins, the racegoer will receive $5000.
Consolation prizes of $1000 for second place, $500 for third and $250 place will be on offer for the lucky ticket holders.
Each person drawn from the barrel must be on-course when the draw takes place, and must be aged 18 years or over.
One entry ticket per racegoer will be available on the day, and this generous promotion is sure to swell attendances at the Kings Birthday Holiday meeting.
The 2025 Cup meeting celebrates 60 years since the first such staging of Warragul's biggest harness race, in 1955.
Monday's two feature races are the $17,500 Pacing Cup, in which starters will qualify at heats run at Cranbourne, Geelong and Kilmore in the lead-up to the final.
The $20,000 Eddie Evison Memorial recognises a great stalwart of local trotting, and is the race for the harness purist - a long distance handicap event which never fails to generate a keen contest. Further support races recognising local trotting participants Ken Miller, Des and Moira Kelly, Rodney Demmler and other life members of local trotting will also be staged.
Harness racing personality Jason Bonnington will be Master of Ceremonies on the day, interviewing race winners after each event.
As well as the big cash giveaway, the Warragul Harness Racing Club will have giveaways all day via a spinning wheel, and punters can place their bets on the local races via the bookmaker, or purchase a ticket in the Punters Club and let the experts do the form study for them.
The Oaks bistro will be serving meals throughout the afternoon, and table bookings are recommended. Take-away food will also be available, along with bar facilities.
The AFL Big Freeze clash between Melbourne and Collingwood from the MCG will be telecast on course during the afternoon.
Even if the weather happens to be poor, Logan Park offers first-class heated, indoor facilities to catch the racing action.
Course entry is free to the Warragul Cup, and organisers are hopeful of a big attendance to the Cup meeting to show Melbourne officials there is support for the sport in Gippsland.
Racing is expected to begin at noon.
Contact the Warragul Harness Racing Club on (03) 5622 2008 for further information.