THE INSIDE TRACK

GET DRESSED UP AND GET EXCITED. LEARN HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE PINJARRA RACING AND PACING SEASONS. IT’S COUNTRY RACING AT ITS BEST.

BY BEVERLY LIGMAN

There’s nothing quite as exciting as a day at the races and the future is certainly very bright for racing and pacing in Pinjarra. With packed calendars and ongoing upgrades and developments over the coming years for both the Pinjarra Park Race Club and the Pinjarra Harness Racing Club, there’s much to look forward to.

Pinjarra Park Race Club has been welcoming punters since 1891 and is one of Western Australia’s most picturesque thoroughbred race courses. Racing season opens in December and finishes in August. The annual Pinjarra Cup is one of many action-packed race meets of the season and is a fantastic day out.

For that perfect group outing you can book a weekend event gazebo that seats up to 10 people, or a marquee that caters for larger groups and corporate functions. Pack your own picnic lunch or make life easy and pre-order some scrumptious platters that will be delivered directly to your gazebo or marquee.

There is no need for a skipper – catch the shuttle bus and be driven to and from the track, picking up and dropping off at various locations through the Murray region and Mandurah, including the Mandurah Train Station. Bookings are essential through peelbuscharters.com.au.

In addition to events, there’s much to look forward to in terms of upgrades too, says Michael Lodding, general manager of Pinjarra Race Club.

“There are a lot of developments going on at the club, with a potential refurbishment of the jockey and steward’s facilities on the cards and the club has also recently completed its ‘Scarpside’ second turn, which effectively gives us another racetrack, allowing us to hold more meetings in the Peel districts very soon,” shares Michael.

“There are also plans for on-course stabling in the future as part of the club’s master plan to create further employment in the region.”

The Pinjarra races are the best of country races in WA. Bet with the bookies under the large betting area, choose from four bar locations spread throughout the grounds, book into the air-conditioned restaurant or watch from the grandstand or sprawled on a picnic rug, catching the action on the huge video screen, all amongst the expansive lawns and shady gum trees. This is true Aussie horse racing at its best.

Get your heart racing at Pinjarra Park!

ANNUAL RACEMEETS FOR PINJARRA RACE CLUB:

December: Alcoa Grandstand Cup - Season Open, Boxing Day Racing, New Year’s Day Holiday Mandurah Cup - 100 Club January: Breeders Classic February: Magic Millions Day, Pinjarra Classic March: South West Autumn Cup April: Pinjarra Cup May/June: WA Long Weekend Racing

The Pinjarra Harness Racing Club, or better known as the Pinjarra Paceway is the largest regional harness racing club in Western Australia. With expansive grounds and parking, a playground, modern bar and function facilities, it’s an ideal way to spend a day with the family, a group of friends or for a corporate function.

The club has invested heavily in renovations over the past 12 months to get ready for their action packed 202223 seasons and Dale Putland, manager of Harness Racing, says thanks to the financial support of Racing and Wagering WA, the club has been able to invest heavily in renovating its buildings and external areas over the past 12 months.

“The club also invested approximately $50,000 in upgrading the internal road system from the front entry gate down to the impressive new stalls complex, and recently unveiled a $2.2 million state-ofthe-art stable complex that allows horses and their trainers to relax in comfort on training and race days,” says Dale.

“If you’re looking for free entry, great value, a family-friendly atmosphere and great indoor and outdoor areas close to the action you can’t beat Pinjarra Paceway.”

Pinjarra Harness Racing is usually each Monday throughout the calendar year and offers full bar and tote facilities. Enjoy a meal and a cold brew in the Paceway Pavilion with uninterrupted views of the track, or sit trackside on the manicured lawns while the kids run and play. For more information on special events, follow their facebook page.

ANNUAL RACEMEETS FOR PINJARRA PACEWAY:

Racing every Monday April: Anzac Long Weekend, Free Family Day May/June: WA Day Long Weekend, Pinjarra/ Mandurah Winter Cup September: Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend, Alcoa Cup Day

FIND YOUR NEAREST PIE-STOP

Pinjarra

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Port Kennedy

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