Dylan Arvela
Latrobe Valley Racing Club will open its gates for the first time this year with Glenview Park hosting Derby Day on Saturday.
LVRC chief executive Jenelle Fothergill took up the position earlier this year and is excited to turn the a day out at the races in Traralgon into a enjoyable, community event.
“I am very excited, obviously there are a lot of mixed emotions with a lot going on,” Ms Fothergill told The Express.
“We have had a bit of a refurb and put a lot of effort into the racing facility, the gardens and the other facilities around the ground.
“We are excited to show [the venue] off and we want the community to feel welcome and enjoy their time here.
“We have quadrupled our membership base, so the members room and around the venue will be a buzz of activity this year.
The day will see seven races with a number of local trainers hoping to chalk up wins, while there will be plenty of fun to be had off the track as well.
Adam Cooney and Liam Pickering from SEN program Off the Bench will be hosting a marquee this year, there will be social marquees while the market umbrella packages have sold out.
LVRC will turn on the taps at the newly-refurbished bar, located off to the side of the main betting area.
The bar features some of the venue’s old relics such as old jockey saddle plates which once hung over the stables.
All the rooms this racing season will have beer on tap for those keen to quench their thirst.
Ms Fothergill said all racegoers, from general admission through to those in the marquees would enjoy their experience, adding families are also welcome with childrens entertainment on offer.
“All the social marquees will be fortunate to see bands Add Lib and the Flick performing with everyone in the main area also able to enjoy the music as it spreads around the arena,” she said.
“The umbrella packages have sold out so it is great to see the community getting behind the club.
“We may be able to put more umbrellas out and with the extra space people are welcome to come along with the picnic rugs.”
“There are plenty of kids’ activities including jumping castles, face painters, a trackless train and roving performers.
“We will also have two stage shows just after 1pm and 3pm which will go for about 30 minutes to entertain the kids.”
Fashions on the Field will also be a feature with a number of local businesses getting behind the event.
“Traralgon franchise Laser Clinic is supporting Fashions on the Field as the major sponsor which is fantastic,” she said.
“We feel very fortunate that the community has donated around 95 per cent of the prizes and we really thank them for getting behind Fashions on the Field at Latrobe Valley Racing Club.”
Derby Day comes a month before Traralgon Cup Day and Ms Fothergill wants people to know Glenview Park is open for business.
“For the club, it is about inviting the community back into the club,” she said.
“We seem to be behind a big brick wall on the outer so we want to invite people in to show how great this facility is.
“It is not just open for racedays, it also has function rooms for hire during the year which host a lot of community events.”
Gates open at 11am with the first race at 12.36pm. General admission tickets are $15.
