Family fun at racecourse

THE third Greater Dandenong Community race day will be held at Sandown this Saturday, with the day aimed at encouraging community and family participation.
The day is organised by the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Melbourne Racing Club, and proudly sponsored by the City of Greater Dandenong.
The feature event on Saturday will be the third running of the $45,000 Greater Dandenong Cup.
The inaugural event in 2004 was won by the Richard Freyer-trained Longyard, and last year success went to Red Hannigan, ridden by Damian Oliver and prepared by Lee Freedman.
City of Greater Dandenong mayor Peter Brown encouraged residents to join him at the event.
“It is a community race day with an emphasis on family entertainment and enjoyment at one of Australia’s finest sporting and recreation facilities,” he said.
“What will make the day a success will be the enjoyment of the family.
“Low-cost family admission is provided on the day and a family-friendly, free entertainment package is organised.”
Residents living in suburbs with postcodes 3171 to 3175 will be given a two-for-one adult ticket offer, together with half-price adult admission tickets for adults accompanying a child.
Children under 18 accompanied by an adult are admitted free.
As an extra bonus, the first 250 people to present proof of local residence at the main gate will receive a free race book.
Family activities will include a jazz band, the Police Pipe Band, a jumping castle, pony rides, a children’s animal farm and displays from the Country Fire Authority, State Emergency Service and Victoria Police.
There will also be racecourse tours, starting from the race day office shortly after races one and three.