Three of South Australia’s most picturesque regions will host race days during the October long weekend, giving families the chance to explore the Mid North, Fleurieu Peninsula and Port Lincoln while indulging in trackside festivities.
The Jamestown Cup is on Saturday, October 3, in the state’s historic Mid North, while the Strathalbyn Long Weekend Races are on Monday, October 5. Held at the Strathalbyn Racecourse, the event is just a quick drive from the spectacular clifftops, golden beaches and cellar doors which have made the Fleurieu Peninsula one of the state’s top tourist destinations.
The spring racing season starts in Port Lincoln on Sunday, October 4, with the Long Weekend Family Fun Day. Thoroughbred Racing SA Chief Executive Jim Watters said the three-day break offered the perfect opportunity to combine a family holiday with a day at the races.
“The Jamestown Cup is a relaxed picnic race meeting that attracts strong fields and gives visitors the chance to either stop in the vineyards of Clare along the way or head further north to the Flinders Ranges,” Mr Watters said.
“Strathalbyn is a gem of a town, just 45 minutes from Adelaide and the centre of a food and wine hotspot.
“And you can’t look past Port Lincoln for a great coastal getaway and some of the best seafood in Australia.”
Jamestown Racing Club President Kevin Robertson said about 1300 racegoers attended last year’s event and expects numbers to be just as strong in 2015.
“We’ll have free return buses on race day from hotels in Jamestown and the AFL Grand Final on TVs throughout the course. It’s a great way to celebrate the big game,” Mr Robertson said.
“The Jamestown Show is on the Monday, so it’s even more reason to make the 213km trip from Adelaide.”
Racegoers at the Jamestown Cup can compete in the Fashion at The Races competition, with the best female dressed going on to compete at the Clare Valley Regional final in March next year. The winner will then go on to compete in the State Final in May and go into the running to take home a luxury holiday to Asia worth more than $25,000.
Port Lincoln Racing Club President Greg Fitzgerald said the event lives up to its family-friendly reputation and includes free face painting, lolly bags and ice cream. Adelaide residents who choose to stay-put over the three day break won’t miss out on the action either – a full day’s racing is scheduled at Morphettville on Saturday, October 3.
The Jamestown Cup When: Saturday, October 3 Cost: General admission $15, concession $8, children under 15 receive free entry For more information and bookings, phone Ann on 0427 887 687 or visit www.theracessa.com.au/clubs/jamestown
Morphettville Race Day When: Saturday, October 3 Cost: General admission $15, concession $7, children under 18 receive free entry For more information and bookings, phone 8295 0111 or visit www.sajc.com.au
Port Lincoln Long Weekend Family Fun Day When: Sunday, October 4 Cost: General admission $10, concession $5, children under 18 receive free entry For more information and bookings, phone 8682 3851 or visit www.plrc.com.au
Strathalbyn Long Weekend Races When: Monday, October 5 Cost: General admission $10, concession $5, children under 15 receive free entry For more information and bookings, phone 8536 2248 or visit strathracing.com.au
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