10 Mar 2017 Wangaratta Chronicle, Wangaratta VIC (General News) by Shane Douthie Sdouthie@ Ne Com Au AN evening out for the entire family is the focus of this Sundays Wangaratta Pacing Cup at Avian Park. The event has been boosted by a $33,000 joint funding initiative supported by the State Government ($12,500 through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund Raceday Attraction Program), Wangaratta Harness Club ($16,000) and Harness Racing Victoria ($4750). Harness racing has gone from strength to strength since it returned to Wangaratta in 2012, with thousands of spectators enjoying quality racing and entertainment and over 2500 racegoers of all ages turning out at the Pacing Cup last year. Wangaratta Harness Racing Club honorary secretary Bernadette Costantino said there were plenty of activities and attractions on and off the track to ensure a great family night out. The generous support from the Victorian Government helps ensure that the Wangaratta Pacing Cup is a big success every year, Ms Costantino said. We have made a determined effort to make this event fun and accessible to all ages, and I look forward to seeing a number of new faces at the track this Sunday. Racing highlights will include the running of the North East Fasteners Wangaratta Pacing Cup while the kids pony trots are always a winner with younger members of the crowd. Off track entertainment will include a mechanical bucking-bull amusement ride, jumping castle, face painting, Trixie the Clown and giveaways for children. There is also a free $1000 sweep for the cup which patrons can enter by filling out a form at the gate with the names drawn just prior to the big race. The club is also giving away 500 complimentary general admission tickets in the lead up to the event, free race books to the first 500 patrons through the gate and plenty of TAB voucher giveaways. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) said the government was proud to be supporting the cup because it brings visitors to the OvensMurray region and provides excellent entertainment for the whole family. The Wangaratta Pacing Cup is a fantastic event which showcases the best of harness racing in a beautiful part of Victoria, Ms Symes said. I encourage everyone to come along this long weekend to enjoy some of the best that country racing has to offer. Catering by the Greta Football Netball Club includes takeaways and a barbecue, an ice-cream van will be trackside, drinks will be available but no BYO alcohol is allowed. Gates open at 5pm on Sunday with the first event scheduled for 5.40pm. s Caption Text: CUP OF JOY: Wangaratta Harness Racing Club president Bernie Blackshaw (left) and Colin McMonigle of North East Fasteners, who are major sponsors of the Wangaratta Pacing Cup, hope to see a large crowd at Sundays event. PHOTO: Marc Bongers Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.