Family day out at the races

THE eighth Greater Dandenong Community Race Day will be held at Betfair Park, Sandown, on Sunday May 1.
And, just by going to thetrack you’ll be a winner, as there is free entry.
The meeting is organised by the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce and the Melbourne Racing Club and is sponsored by the City of Greater Dandenong.
Free family activities include an animal farm, jumping castle, face painting, a horse themed craft, tug o’ war, parachute and ball games, pony rides and there’s a racebook competition with a sunset helicopter journey as the prize.
City of Greater Dandenong councillor Peter Brown, a member of the organising committee, encourages residents to join him.
“In 2003, with the support of council, I introduced the community race day,” Cr Brown said.
“What will make the day a success will be your presence and the enjoyment of the family. Come along and enjoy the day.”
The feature event is the City of Greater Dandenong Cup, won in 2010 by Tasmanian visitor, Forbidden Quest, ridden by Darren Gauci.
Trophies for the winning owner, trainer and jockey will feature cups made from native wood, handcrafted by Peter Adams, a former teacher at Heatherhill Secondary College near the racecourse.
Racing at what is now known as Betfair Park goes back to 1888, but the State Government closed the original track in 1931.
The current Betfair Park opened on 19 June 1965 before a crowd of 52,379 – a record.
It is the only metropolitan racecourse in Australia opened in the 20th century.