Hot day of racing for Woolamai Cup

THIS Saturday, January 28 is Woolamai Cup Day.

But stay alert for a possible change to race times if the predicted hot weather arrives.

It adds an unwanted element of the unknown to preparations for Woolamai and District Racing Club treasurer, Adam Olszanski, who is nonetheless looking forward to a great day of racing.

“After a delayed start to the picnic racing season, there’s been a real appetite for it this year, from the public and also racehorse connections,” said Adam this week.

“It’s been great and we’re expecting another great day this Saturday.”

The club is expecting a full field of 10 runners with the Alex Scott and Staff Woolamai Cup one of the most coveted prizes on the annual picnic circuit.

“Prize money is the maximum $7000 but a lot of people, especially those who have been coming here for years, just want to win the cup.”

As well as the six or even seven races on the card, there’s plenty of action off the track too with entertainment by Woolamai regular Imogen Price on guitar, fashions on the field (returning this year), face-painting for the kids and all the food and drink turned on by local sporting clubs.

“We’ve developed a great partnership with the community groups around here; the Archies Creek Hall, the Kilcunda-Bass Cricket Club, and the Dalyston Football Netball Club do the food and drink. The Killy-Bass Football Netball Club helps us set up and the Wonthaggi Adult Riding Club does all the clean-up.

“It’s a real community effort.”

The cup is sponsored by Alex Scott and Staff who say they are delighted to be able to support another great volunteer-run, community-organised event.

Greg Price, a Phillip Island real estate agent and a director of Alex Scott, said the firm had been sponsoring races for the Woolamai and District Racing Club for many years and the cup for 20 years.

“We love supporting volunteer-run, community events. We support the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition, the local show societies and other 
events where the volunteers just work so hard to get these events on for the community.

“The Woolamai Racing Club is the only race club operating in the Bass Coast Shire, a real survivor over 
many years, and a terrific attraction for locals and visitors to the area,” said Mr Price.

So, heat permitting, the races will go on at 

Woolamai this Saturday but watch out for a decision to start the racing early, or even to postpone the cup if the mercury and humidity hits a high mark.