News

Bendigo ready for stand-alone meeting

13th Mar 2013

Racing Network - By Neale Donnelley - Tuesday, 12 March 2013

Bendigo Jockey Club CEO Ian Hart is optimistic early indicators suggest Saturday’s second stand-alone meeting will be very successful.

“Our corporate sales are much better than last year.

"We only sold five mini-marquees last year, this year I’ve sold 22, and we have other bigger marquees and set-aside areas throughout the course,” Hart told racingnetwork this morning.

“We’ve also good a food and produce precinct with cooking demonstrations and the like, so that should really attract a lot of people as well,” he added.

Hart said the weather looks like being kind, with the heat-wave predicted to be over.

“The forecast top now is somewhere between 22 and 25 so that’s ideal after what we have had for the past fortnight.”

Hart said all Victorian owners with a current Gold Card would be admitted into the course for free on Saturday, and owners with a runner would be able to enjoy a set-aside area with a complimentary light buffet.

“With bonuses our prize-money for the day is close to a million dollars.

"Any VOBIS eligible two-year-old can run for $250,000 in the Gold Rush, and any Inglis sales graduate can win a $50,000 bonus in the Guineas, which already carries $150,000 in prize-money,” Hart said.

The club was hoping for a crowd in the 5000 region.

“Last year we had 3700 and that was considered a pass-mark by the industry. This year I’d like to get 5000 and the early indicators are promising,” Hart said.