There is a spring feeling in the air, a hustle and bustle ambience on Broadway. Anticipation is building. “Derby Day in the Country” is almost BACK.
Get set to celebrate the wonderful Elders Mt. Wycheproof Cup Day this November – a highlight of the spring social calendar in the Mallee.
Following Racing Victoria’s official 2023 Victorian Spring Racing Carnival Launch last Tuesday evening in Melbourne, one can feel the spring racing carnival vibe has finally arrived. Whilst after 3-long years* the Mt. Wycheproof & District Racing Club, volunteer committee is eagerly preparing to host crowds of racing fans trackside on Saturday, November 4.
New campaign
The evolution of the successful Country Racing marketing campaign continues. Messages of “Country Racing Strong” came via clubs weathering the challenge of covid, and “Stronger Together” was a celebration of the resilience that got communities through, and the value of simply being together. Darren Galley (Marketing/Business Development Manager with Country Racing Victoria) says, “This messaging has been welcomed by both clubs and consumer audiences and has remained effective across communities.”
Social calendar in full swing
As the North Central Football season reaches the pointy end of a grand final day celebration, the Wycheproof-Narraport Football Club (WNFC) hosted the second semi-final on home soil last weekend.
On the sidelines, many of the WNFC volunteers are in the midst of a planning phase for the return of the iconic “King of the Mountain” footrace event in September. Others are preparing for summer sports campaigns.
All this, whilst Broadway will be bustling with 707-Operations returning to host historic train visits throughout the forthcoming months, too. A recent feature visit affording some train visitors the opportunity to learn more about Cup Day on a local level. There is certainly no shortage of social activity across the Wycheproof community leading into Cup Day.
Cup Day
Cup Day is again anticipated to showcase a full-card of heart-stopping country racing action, wide-ranging fabulous entertainment, spectacular fine-fashion, scrumptious foods and wine, all served with the utmost flavour in true Wycheproof style.
The day will be an opportunity to get up close to the thoroughbreds and share a love of the horse, commemorating the return of one of the district’s premier social events, with family and friends, the entire community, in a relaxed environment.
The Ideal Location
A recent premier annual golfing tournament has ensured the Mt. Wycheproof Recreation Reserve precinct is presented in immaculate condition. The golf greens, together with the overall racetrack surface coverage are a sight to behold, and a credit to all those caretakers who contribute hours to maintaining throughout the year. Recent rainfall has been a blessing too, as has the impressive Wycheproof Wetlands development on the circumference of the racetrack and Caravan Park.
Terrific for tourism
The Wycheproof community encompasses a great many wonders both natural and man-made, from the awe-inspiring Mallee plains and Centenary Park, the smallest registered mountain in the World – Mount Wycheproof, to the bustling-rich shopping-strip “Broadway”. Cup Day will allow visitors and the community alike to savour all of this and much more across the district.
A diary date to enjoy the Spring Racing Carnival in the Country is an unsurpassed way to experience the Buloke region – showcasing a community at its finest in full event mode. #VisitWyche-proof #VisitBuloke
Book now
The Club is well advanced with planning and encourages racegoers to pre-book raceday packages, catering and general admission early.
All are available for review online and are anticipated to sell-out. The dedicated team at the Wycheproof Community Resource Centre is always available to assist with providing further information and direction at a local level too. The Club acknowledges its ongoing support.
On behalf of the Mt. Wycheproof & District Racing Club, the community is encouraged to peruse the pages of “The Buloke Times” newspaper and social channels in the lead-up to the big day, ensuring everyone is kept well informed of event developments and what excitement is in store!
Remember, it’s OUR racing, country racing. Book online today via www.country.racing.com/mt-wycheproof
* COVID-19 impacted in 2020 and 2021 (with racing, however no crowds), and 2022 flood impacted and access challenges prevailed.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 8 September 2023.
