Echuca Harness Racing Club’s long-running New Year’s Day cup will bring in 2023 in style with a quality nine-race card slated for January 1, tipped to be the biggest in years.
Organisers are hopeful of hosting several thousand patrons at Frank Ryan Raceway when the first race starts at 5.20pm, and EHRC president Shane Gloury is tipping a big day at the trots.
“We’re hoping to get a crowd of a couple of thousand people out there — the last few years have obviously been COVID-impacted,” Gloury said.
“Last year we couldn’t have more than 500 to 1000 based on the requirements at the time. This is probably the first year since 2019 that the club has been able to run and promote the meeting without a range of COVID restrictions.
“We’re looking forward to a really good night, there’s something there for everyone, it’s great racing with a range of off-track entertainment.
“It’s certainly something that’s been traditional in Echuca; I can remember following the sport when I was a kid in the 80s and Echuca always raced on January 1 at night.
“It’s our biggest meeting of the year and we’re looking forward to it.”
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A live band will be playing 70s and 80s hits throughout the second half of the night, while for the kids, a jumping castle and water slide will be in action.
While race eight, the $12,000 Rich River Golf Club New Year Cup, shapes as the feature race of the evening, Gloury has tipped several local competitors he believes will perform well throughout the meeting.
Echuca trainer Ros Rolfe’s Beach Time has drawn the eye in race two, the Mal & Lorraine Keeble Rich River Auto Body Pace over 2160m, while Peter Lindberg’s Star Down Under in race four looms as a challenger.
Following a last-start win at Echuca on December 21, Kyabram trainer Graham Lyon’s Ace Montana comes in as the favourite for race six, the Alabar Pace.
“There’s a local connection with all of them,” Gloury said.
“Beach Time should lead or settle close to the lead and give a very good sight out the front.
“Star Down Under is a very good local trotter, a strong horse who should be put into the race and be well and truly up into the firing line, I expect he’ll run a really good race.
“Ace Montana won well last start at Echuca and has a really good draw in this race.”
The New Year’s Day meeting at Echuca Harness Racing Club commences at 5.45pm with gates open from 5pm at the Frank Ryan Raceway on Simmie St, Echuca.