More than 400 racegoers are expecting to head to the Kilcoy Racecourse this Thursday (6 November), for the Oaks Ladies Day.
Kilcoy Racing Club president Con Searle said the Country Race meet played an integral part in the local community.
“It draws patrons to the town, it fills the motel and hotels, it draws people into our bakery, butchers, fruit and veggie shops,” Mr Searle said.
“To outback towns, like Kilcoy, it brings the community together to enjoy a day at the races.
“There are seven races scheduled for Oaks-Ladies Day, with $96,000 in prize money. What an incentive to country provincial racing.”
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the meet was the perfect way to enjoy Ladies Day.
“Kilcoy is just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane, and within easy reach of other sizeable population centres, so it’s a great opportunity to get out of the city and into the country to enjoy Oaks Day,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“This is a very special event which has proven hugely popular over the past few years, and provided a major social and economic boost to locals,” she said.
Racing Minister Steve Dickson said he was looking forward to attending the race day alongside local member Deb Frecklington.
“Country race days like the Ladies Oaks Day in Kilcoy provide not only a fantastic atmosphere but also an economic boost to the region,” Mr Dickson said.
The Queensland Government is committed to country racing, we’re providing an additional $4 million over four years to help rebuild country racing, with an additional 20 country race meetings to be held each year.
“The former Labor government tore the heart out of country racing but we are revitalising the industry with these new initiatives.”
