Local punters are set for a fantastic day at the races this weekend.
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The St Pat’s Cup race meeting is on again on Sunday February 24 with seven races on the cards.
This year’s St Pat’s Cup race meeting will include the Sister Olive Handicap which was cancelled in December because of heavy rain.
The Sister Olive Handicap is named after a 1920s Melbourne Cup winner who was trained in the Yea district.
The Yea Racecourse is recognised as one of the most beautiful in country Victoria and is the ideal location for a family picnic on race day.
For fashion conscious race-goers, there will Fashions on the Field with cash prizes on offer in three categories and a prize for best hat.
There will be pony rides and face-painting among other things to keep children entertained and a sand pit for the younger ones.
A variety of catering options are on offer including a clubhouse luncheon, a barbecue lunch and homemade cake and produce stalls.
Picnic packs are also available for those who want to avoid the hassle of bringing food with them.
The packs include a cooler basket and a blanket with a variety of local produce.
The St Pat’s Cup has been running for more than 60 years and is organised each year by a group of volunteers.
Each race meeting has raised funds for local and national not-for-profit organisations such as Sacred Heart Primary School, Yea sporting clubs and the Men’s Shed.
It has been announced that the 2019 St Pat’s Cup race meeting will be the last one in its current format.
St Pat’s Race Club Yea Inc president Leonard Sheahan wrote a post on the yea.com.au website which explained the changing circumstances around the race meet and that changes are needed.
‘‘The next St Pat’s Race Club Inc race meeting on February 24, 2019 will be the last race meeting in its present format,’’ Mr Sheahan wrote.
‘‘I invite you and your friends to come to the final St Pat’s races in Yea on Sunday, February 24 and enjoy a day at the Picnic Races and to acknowledge the contribution that St Pat’s has made to picnic racing and to the local community over the past 60 years and more.’’
Mr Sheahan wrote that the changes were disappointing but the ageing of personnel and a lack of volunteers to take over had instigated the changes.
‘‘Following this race meeting St Pat’s will combine with the Yea Race Club to form a new club to incorporate the two clubs and to conduct a Yea Cup Meeting and a St Pat’s Cup Meeting,’’ Mr Sheahan wrote.
‘‘The St Pat’s Cup will be conducted by the newly formed club.’’
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