Warragul Pacing Cup set to stun

by Kyle Galley

One of Victoria's oldest continually run harness racing events will be staged at Warragul on Monday's public holiday.

Feature event at the Warragul Harness Racing Clubs meeting is the $15,000 Downtowner Warragul Pacing Cup.
In a first for local racing, Cup horses will compete in two qualifying heats run as the first two events on Monday, into the Cup itself run as the last event of the day.
First held in 1955, the Pacing Cup event is a mainstay on Victoria's feature race calendar.
It has gone through several format and prizemoney changes over the years as the sport of harness racing has changed, but has always remained an entertaining and sought after event, particularly among local participants.
The Warragul club is one of the oldest in the state, and trot events have been run on the Logan Park site since the early 1890s.
The venue can boast a rich history since the early days of trotting, including some three decades of popular night meetings which began in the 1950s.
Sadly activity is currently restricted to just one race date per year, a decision which still frustrates many local participants given the contribution of the club to trotting, quality of facilities at Logan Park and the rapidly increasing population in this region.
An excellent support program of racing on Monday will include the $15,000 Eddie Evison Memorial Warragul Trotters Cup.
With two qualifying heats expected for the Pacing Cup, a nine-race card is possible if entries for all races are large enough.
That will ensure a non-stop day of entertainment for spectators.
Trainers from various parts of Victoria are expected to make their way east for a once-a-year trip to Logan Park.
Good prizemoney levels, including funds tipped in directly by the local club, trophies and incentives for owners and trainers have combined to produce an attractive race card that surely will be noticed by horsemen and women.
Certainly a lot of hard work from local volunteers has gone into the organisation of Monday's card, for the benefit of the broader industry.
The action on Monday commences at around 11:30am, and course entry to Logan Park is free for all patrons.