A Dandy day

LOCAL families are being encouraged to head to the Sandown Racecourse this Sunday for the eighth City of Greater Dandenong Race Day.
City of Greater Dandenong Councillor Peter Brown was founder of the race day in 2003 and encouraged residents to attend the free event.
“What will make the day a success will be your presence and the enjoyment of the family,” Cr Brown said.
“Please bring your family and enjoy the day.”
The feature race of the day will be the City of Greater Dandenong Cup, which was won last year by Forbidden Quest, ridden by Darren Gauci.
The trophies are made from native wood and handcrafted by a local woodcarver. “The cups are handcrafted by Peter Adams, a former teacher at Heatherhill Secondary College, a mere five minutes from the racecourse,” Cr Brown said.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Roz Blades said the race day had a proud history in the local community.
“While the day promises a fantastic day of racing, the off-field entertainment is equally as impressive,” Cr Blades said.
There will be free entertainment throughout the day including an animal farm, face painting, parachute games, pony rides and a racebook competition prize of a sunset helicopter ride.
The day is organised by the City of Greater Dandenong, Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce and the Melbourne Racing Club.
The City of Greater Dandenong Race Day will be held on Sunday 1 May from 10am to 5pm at Betfair Park, Sandown Racecourse.
Entry is free but dining packages are available and bookings can be made by calling 9257 7100.