If you fancy experiencing the grassroots of Victorian thoroughbred racing, a day at the picnic races is sure to please.
An essential addition to your social calendar should be the Canni Creek Picnic Race Day which will be held on Saturday, February 15 for the 138th time.
The Buchan and Gelantipy Racing Club will warmly welcome you to enjoy a classic country race day and all it has to offer.
Set in magnificent bushland, you can find just the right spot under the shade of a gum tree to place a rug to enjoy your BYO picnic lunch or you can arrange to pre-purchase a picnic lunch from the club.
The 2024 event recorded the second highest attendance ever, only beaten by the return following the Black Summer Bushfires, and there’s high expectations for this year’s running.
Club secretary, Robyn Sandy, says it is “a fantastic day with a real family-friendly atmosphere.”
Picnic race days provide an important social connection for regional communities and you will no doubt find familiar faces in the crowd, or you may arrange your day to join up with family, friends or business acquaintances.
In such a relaxed atmosphere, dress code is country casual – almost anything goes – or you may wish to really spruce up to compete in Fashions on the Field.
One of the day’s highlights is the running of the Buchan Cup – an 1900 metre race that will get you roaring along with the crowd as you will your steed to first place across the finish line.
On-course bookies will reward your win.
Located on Bruthen-Buchan Road in Buchan South, there will be prominent signs directing you to the Canni Creek race track and parking is free and plentiful.
Gates open at 11am and the first race, the maiden plate, will start at 1.30pm.
Children under 16 have free entry.
If you cannot get to Canni Creek, the next scheduled picnic race day is Hinnomunjie Cup Day on Saturday, March 8, followed by the Tambo Valley Cup at Swifts Creek on Sunday, April 20.