The Pakenham Racing Club is hosting a Super Jumps Race Day and Equine Expo on Sunday the 10th September 2006. Jumps Day is a unique day of racing with four out of the expected eight races being Hurdles or Steeplechase races. The two feature races of the day will be the $40,000 J.E.H Spencer/George Watson Rookie Chasers final and the $25,000 M.J Bourke Hurdle. Club Chief Executive Terry Macdonald said “This is the Club’s second Super Jumps Day and we are aiming to build the day into a significant local event that attracts a wide range of equine related interest”

Racing Manager, Michael Hodge said “Jumps Racing is undergoing a mini resurgence and the Club is delighted to be a part of that.   The prizemoney for this race meeting is fantastic, with $40,000 allocated to the Rookies Chasers Final and a further $25,000 for the M.J Bourke Hurdle.”

To complement the great day of racing, the Club will again conduct it very popular Equine Expo. There will be demonstrations from Farrier’s, Equine Dentists, Acupuncture/Chiropractic, Bio Scan Light Therapy demonstration and an Artificial Insemination talk from Dr Hugh Cathels. This is a great opportunity for horse lovers to see experts in their various fields explain everything you wanted to know.

Various equestrian stalls will be on display for you to talk to all the experts or make a purchase from one of the many Horse Industry stalls. Racing Victoria and the Champions museum will be part of the expo, as will the “Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria” with their mascot, Smiley the horse, which is always a favourite among children. The Expo will run from 12pm through to 5pm and there is something there for all equine enthusiasts.

Whilst the day is all about showcasing jumps racing, the jumps riding is also a huge part of the day, and riding skills will be on show as part of the Industry “hands and heels” competition. To be judged by Chairman of Stewards, Des Gleeson, this competition is part of an Industry competition that encourages jockeys to ride using their hands and heels, instead of the whip, to achieve the best racing result.

Complimenting the Jumps racing, will be the annual six-bar show jumping competition conducted by the Mornington Peninsula Show jumping group.    The Equestrian Federation of Aust will showcase the State’s best Showjumping Riders in this competition, for what should ensure will be an exciting spectacle that will further compliment & enhance the Jumps Racing.      

For the first time at the Expo, Quadrille Australia will perform a choreographed routine of dressage movements performed by a team of horses and riders to music.  It’s referred to as “Square dancing on horseback” and should prove a great addition to the day.  Quadrille Aust will also have an information stand in the expo area for patrons to access more information about them. 

Bistro dining packages are available from $66 per person, which represents great value given it includes admission, racebook, 2 course luncheon and a beverage package (beer, wine, softdrink) from first to last.   Mini marquees packages are available at $220 and they are a great way for a group or family to secure a reserved position in a prime location.   Admission is $12 for Adults, $9 Concession and children under 18 are FREE.

Overall this day promises to bring a feast of entertainment for racing and jumps fans as well as equine enthusiasts from all disciplines. To make a booking or for more information please contact The Pakenham Racing Club on 5941 1207 or visit www.pakracing.com.au

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