A slice of Murray paradise is coming to Benalla.
The 2023 Mulwala Waterski Club Yarrawonga/Mulwala Cup will be held at Benalla Racing Club on Sunday, November 12.
The cup coincides with the final day of the Benalla Festival and is sure to cap off a fun-filled weekend.
Benalla Racing Club chief executive Cameron Symes said the meeting would have something for everyone.
“It’s a family-focused day,” Symes said.
“We’ve got some great business support from Yarrawonga, and we’ve got a couple of buses coming over from Yarrawonga, which is good.
“Businesses that are supporting the event are bringing guests along on to the Deck Marquee.
“In line with the festival, we’ve got kids’ activities, we’ve got a jumping castle and big games and so forth.
“We’ve got Adam Toms playing music throughout the afternoon, so it should be a nice, relaxed day of racing to finish off the festival.”
On track, Benalla locals and visitors from further afield can expect to see high-class jockeys and competitive fields.
Symes said Benalla’s Malua Racing Team Corstens was sure to have a strong showing.
“Malua Racing have really got behind Benalla, obviously, with stables on course,” he said.
“They had another winner here on Monday (October 30), and they’re looking to angle a few horses in on the Sunday race day.
“They’re having a great run since they’ve been here on course. I think they’ve had a race winner at every race meeting, so hopefully, that continues.
“Hopefully, we’ve got several other local trainers here on the track, and hopefully, they can get a horse or two up on the day. It’s always great to see trainers doing well on their home track.”
With several businesses from Yarrawonga and Mulwala bringing bus-loads of guests, and return bus tickets from Yarrawonga available for $10, the Benalla Racing Club will feel like a home away from home for the visitors.
Symes said the weather should put on a show for the Yarrawonga and Mulwala locals and businesses who are supporting Benalla.
“The Mulwala Waterski Club have partnered up with us; this is our second year working with them,” he said.
“They also sponsor the local Benalla Saints football side, so they’re looking to invest in Benalla and help support community events, and in turn, we support them when we’re over that way.
“It’s great to have them support our club and the other sponsors on the day.
“The weather (is looking) fantastic.
“There’s plenty of water being poured on to the track and the surrounds at the moment.
“We’re in the middle of spring and the middle of the spring carnival, so it’s at the right time of the year.”
Gates open at noon on race day, and tickets are still available for the Deck Marquee, which offers unparalleled views of the track, gourmet finger food and a five-hour drinks package.
Tickets can be bought at https://benalla.tickets.countryracing.com.au