The Australian Turf Club has significantly boosted its night racing program at Canterbury Park, increasing the season to nine Friday night meetings, adding extra races and incentives for participants, and bringing a hugely popular Canterbury Foodies Market trackside under the stars.
Night racing at Canterbury Park starts on Friday 21 October, with dozens of new food stalls offering a variety of cuisines at prices starting from just $5, all situated on the trackside lawns in front of the main grandstand.
The Australian Turf Club will also continue its $5 food and beverage program across the racecourse – as well as offer a host of free family entertainment – as part of the expanded night racing season.
Entry to Canterbury Park will be free at all Friday night meetings.
The free children’s entertainment includes a jumping castle, pony rides and face painting, all amid the vibrant food and market stall atmosphere.
Friday night meetings through to 17 February 2017 now carry eight races, including an $80,000 feature known as the Evening Star or the Shooting Star.
Extra incentives for racing participants and horse owners include a nightly strappers award for the best presented horse on the feature race, travel rebates for country trainers, and an opening night offering of a $200 food and beverage card for each horse to add to owners enjoyment of the evening.
Every Friday night meeting at Canterbury Park this season will be run in conjunction with a Victorian night fixture, starting with next week’s Group 1 Manikato Stakes meeting at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate eve.
The first race at Canterbury Park each Friday will be at 6.15pm, with 30-minute gaps between all races until the final Sydney event at 9.45pm.
Australian Turf Club Executive General Manager of Racing James Heddo said the new commitment to Sydney’s night racing was in line with the ATC’s strategy of growing customer engagement and participation.
“Canterbury Park is a wonderful spectator venue for racing, and Friday nights now bring more action both on and off the track, with the added atmosphere of food markets and free entertainment for families,’’ Mr Heddo said.
“We want to continue to grow Friday night racing for our owners and participants, and the addition of an $80,000 feature race each night will certainly add significant interest to an already strong racing program.
“We have also recognised our country participants who have one or more runners in the following day’s TAB Highway Handicap who will be eligible for a $500 travel rebate if they start one or more horses at the preceding Friday night meeting.’’
