VRC Executive General Manager for Racing Leigh Jordon said the Club was delighted to highlight country racing across the state.
“Country race clubs and their loyal members provide the backbone of the racing industry and the success of many trainers, jockeys and horses begins at the grassroots level,” Mr Jordon said.
“It is a day in which we celebrate all that is great about country racing and the links between racing at all levels.”
“We are also thrilled to have Wayne Nichols join us on Saturday as we celebrate his passion for and service to country racing.”
On the track, Horsham trainer Paul Preusker and connections will be targeting back-to-back Flemington wins with Steparty, following an impressive victory in the Royal Children's Hospital Trophy (1200m) at Flemington on VRC Community Race Day. The boom two-year-old colt will line up in the Rod Johnson Handicap (1420m).
The feature race, The David Bourke (1620m), named after former VRC Chairman and long-time Pakenham Racing Club Secretary David Bourke, boasts an honour roll that includes world champion sprinter Nature Strip, Flemington Group 1 winner Gytrash and three-time Flemington winner Tuvalu in the past five years.
The handicap will feature So You Think progeny The Summit, having his first start for Lindsay Park, French Emperor who will be looking to recapture his TAB Champions Stakes Day 2022 winning form for Price Kent Racing and Jimmy The Bear for Patrick Payne.
Connections will be targeting heats of the Winter Race Series with seven sets of heats to be run. The winner and runner-up of each heat will qualify for the final on Flemington Finals Day on Saturday 1 July.
Off the track, the popular VRC Punters Club is back, proudly supported by TAB. Register before Race 3 on the day for only $10 and enjoy all the fun in The Atrium (VRC members) and Saintly Place Sports Bar (general admission).