Goulburn & District Racing Club advise that Racing NSW have directed that due to the ongoing difficulties associated with staffing Melbourne Cup day, that a number of Clubs will no longer be racing on the day and this includes Goulburn. It has been extremely difficult to not only find sufficient jockeys to fill the race fiields, but also stewards, tab staff and other associated officials.

 

On a more positive note, the Club has been allocated two TAB Saturday race meetings, one of which will be held on the Saturday following Melbourne Cup Day ( 6th November) being Emirates Race Day, and the other one the 26th march 2011, being Rose Hill Guineas Day.

 

Goulburn Race Club President, Fred Cooper, said that while it was very disappointing to be no longer racing on Melbourne Cup Day, the Club was confident that they will still be able to maintain the atmosphere that surrounds the Spring Carnival. The Club will still run the highly entertaining and popular Fashions on the Field and all the other associated activities that are conducted on Melbourne Cup Day. Racing on a Saturday may give more people the opportunity to enjoy quality racing.

 

The Club has been in discussion with Goulburn Argyle Rotary and they can see the many benefits of a Saturday race meeting, as people do not have as many work commitments and they are excited to continue the charity day previously held on Melbourne Cup Day, in support of the Goulburn Hospitals.

 

The granting of a second Saturday in March, will give the Club the opportunity to also create the atmosphere that surrounds the Spring Carnival with the Sydney Auturm Carnival.

 

All in all, the Club expects to be able to showcase racing to the local patrons without the limitations that are currently imposed on the Club on Melbourne Cup Day.