A day of thrills, frills, and family fun

THE Ladbrokes Stony Creek Cup race day is fast approaching (March 10), and CEO Adam Olszanski promises a day filled with excitement, entertainment, and community spirit.

“It’s very family-focused,” says Olszanski, highlighting the range of activities planned for the day. From pony rides, sports activities and face painting to all the action on field, there’s something for everyone.

Former jockey Chris Symons will be on track with his Funky Farm, an educational environmental show featuring a menagerie of Australian wildlife.

“There’ll be plenty of opportunities to get up close with those animals,” Olszanski assures.

Music lovers can look forward to live performances by the Hurricane Duo, and fashion enthusiasts can participate in the Fashions on the Field event, sponsored by Influence Clothing.

“Judy Stone’s Influence Clothing, a boutique in Leongatha, have been big supporters of Fashions on the Field for many years, and will occupy some gaps between races.”

The President’s Luncheon will bring together racing officials, local politicians, and club committee members to celebrate the day.

“It’s a great way of bringing the local community together,” Olszanski remarked.

The course is shaping up nicely, despite the lack of rain.

“It’s looking very green! We’ve got the sprinklers going all daylight hours to ensure that we’ve got a perfect racing surface – a surface that has a little bit of give for the horses,” says Olszanski.

“Fertiliser went on last week, which will bring it up to optimum status.”

The upcoming race will be the last one using the current irrigation infrastructure, with a new pop-up system in place for next season.

Olszanski is optimistic about the weather on the day of the race. “The weather we’ve had the last few weeks is indicating that it’ll be a beautiful day,” he says. 

The season has had its ups and downs, with the first meeting exceeding all expectations with almost a cup-sized attendance. However, the second meeting had to be cancelled due to heavy rain. Despite this setback, the season has been successful, with even the quieter meetings drawing a good crowd.

“We still had 800 people on track for Publican’s Day, a few weeks ago, with the function raising $5000 for charity.”

As for the horses to watch, Olszanski mentioned Don’t Doubt Dory, a previous cup winner who has recently found his old winning form at Caulfield.

“I’m just hoping that now that he’s found some of his old winning form that his owners and trainer consider running on March 18 in the Stony Creek Cup again,” he says.

For those attending the races for the first time, Olszanski advises dressing for the weather and arriving early to grab a good spot, although there is plenty of lawn for all. 

There is also still availability for those preferring to pre-book a table, marquee or prime frontage on the lawn.

A variety of food trucks and the canteen run by the Stony Creek Football Club, which offers a wide range of food at affordable prices, will be on hand for those who prefer to forgo the home made or picnic lunches. 

The race day is supported by many local community clubs, including the Stony Creek Football Netball Club, the Meeniyan Pony Club, Foster Football Netball Club, South Gippsland Writers, and the Port Welshpool Coast Guard.

“The people who come to the races are not just supporting the Stony Creek Racing Club, they’re indirectly supporting many of the local clubs,” says Olszanski.

“Lots of volunteers come and support our meeting or assist us in running our meeting and in turn we share our success of the day with those clubs.”

With the gates opening at 11.30am and the first race kicking off at 1.05pm, the Ladbrokes Stony Creek Cup promises to be a day of thrilling races, family fun, and community spirit.

“The Stony Creek Cup will bring the curtain down on our five race meetings over the last three months,” Adam concluded.

Don’t miss out on this exciting event!

There is plenty for all to see and do

On the track

• 11.30am Gates Open

• 1.05pm Racing kicks off with the 1100m Maiden Plate.

• 4.40pm Ladbrokes Stony Creek Cup

• 5.15pm Race 8 (last race of the day)

Off the track

• Funky Farm Wildlife Shows - 1.15pm, 2.25pm and 3.40pm 

• Influence Clothing Fashions on the Field, 1.15pm Most Fashionable Junior, 1.45pm Most Fashionable Suit, 3pm Most Fashio able Dress and Best Millinery

And it wouldn’t be possible with the incredible support from Stony Creek’s sponsors.

Ladbrokes, Brandt Leongatha, Meeniyan Hotel, Fish Creek Hotel, Leongatha Rural Supplies, Family of the late Dr Michael Bourke OAM. 

The event is also supported by Danny O’Brien MP.

Forget the car

Leave the car at home and get to the Ladbrokes Stony Creek Cup by bus! 

Thanks to the TAC, Stony Creek Racing Club will get you to and from the track safely. 

Bookings essential. Seats are limited.

Book online for these routes: bus.stonycreek.com.au

• Route 1 – Venus Bay, Tarwin Lower, Buffalo.

• Route 2 – Walkerville, Sandy Point, Waratah Bay, Fish Creek 

• Route 3 – Yarram, Port Albert, Port Welshpool, Toora, Foster 

Contact Harley’s Buslines 0407 343 930 

• Route 4 – Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Leongatha, Koonwarra

Meeniyan Courtesy Bus (Free and no bookings required). Departs Meeniyan Hotel at 12.35pm