Transferred Elmore Cup meeting open to spectators

It means the club will be able to host spectators at its rescheduled cup meeting to be run at Bendigo's Lord's Raceway, on Tuesday, November 16.

Originally scheduled for Boxing Day at Elmore, the cup meeting has been transferred to the midweek date at Bendigo due to the unavailability of Sky Channel coverage on that day.

However, club secretary Gary Cooper points out that there are many benefits associated with the transfer.

"Public patrons and owners will have access to the excellent facilities provided by the Bendigo club, including air-conditioned inside seated viewing, dining and bar facilities and outstanding racing," he said.

"Patrons should note that the number of public patrons permitted will be limited to meet COVID density limits, especially for inside seated bookings.

"Proof of double vaccination status will also be a prerequisite for entry. Walk-up admissions will not be permitted."

As a further incentive to get back on track, each patron will be offered free admission to the course, a free racebook and a $10 dining voucher to spend on the night.

A huge hamper raffle will also be available for a lucky patron to win.

The night's two feature races - the Elmore Pacing Cup and the Elmore Trotters Cup - will carry $10,000 in prizemoney, compared to the $4500 of previous years.

Other races will also have $7000 stakes on offer, compared to the regular $4500 picnic stakes normally available.

"This should ensure high-class fields of pacers and trotters are attracted for these feature events," Cooper said.

The meeting will be the Elmore club's first since 2019, after last year's Boxing Day event was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

To make it easier for Elmore district residents to attend, a free courtesy bus will run from Rochester (departing at 5pm) via Elmore (5.20pm) and Goornong (5.40pm) to Lord's Raceway.

Interested persons should contact the Elmore secretary on 0448 855 850 to secure their booking and determine pick-up points.

Cup night bookings are essential and can be made by contacting the Bendigo Harness Racing Club on 5449 3205 from 9am on Thursday, November 11.

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