Club secretary Adam Rudd put it this way:
We used to have eleven meetings a year and two and a half years ago we were reduced to two meetings. After a meeting with the minister, we were able to resume our six meetings. However, we were recently advised by Harness Racing Victoria that as part of the centralization and cost saving exercise, we would only be eligible to host one meeting per year.
It’s mind-boggling for everyone involved in the club.
With just one meeting we have now lost all our sponsors. The canteen run by the local Lions Club pulled the pin when they found out we were only going to have one meeting.
We used to run the trial periods every two weeks, but now it is monthly. We have no problems getting numbers for trials, sometimes as many as 30 horses will participate.
Cobram is one of the state’s top tourist destinations with its prime location on the Murray River. They have excellent facilities and trainers and drivers praise the spacious 1008 meter circuit made of granite sand.
Rudd added:
As Shepparton is the main location of the Goulburn Valley, the main circuit runs on Tuesdays and we have no lights. The three of us use the track for training (Adam and Don Rudd and Linton Power).
At least having testing allows us to use our equipment and operational facilities so that they are in good condition for our race day.
The shorter meeting schedule has been a lengthy process and unsettling for everyone.
Rudd pointed out that the club is financial, but added
We’re not going to give all our money to just one meeting a year.
Just a few years ago the Cobram Pacing Cup was worth $35,000 and the Trotters Cup $25,000, but before this Sunday these races are worth just $15,000 and $10,000 respectively.
The club is doing everything it can to ensure a successful day on Sunday.
With Sunday falling in high season, the Club expects a strong crowd turnout.
The dinner packages have already sold out, but the public is encouraged to bring a picnic with parasols and bouncy castles and water slides for the kids. as well as food trucks on site. The club prides itself on being a family-friendly destination, especially during the holiday season.
As for next Sunday’s meeting, the highlight will be the Cobram Pacing Cup, which brings together an open field. Leeton-based trainer Jackson Painting will use his clever pacer La Cavalleta against the likes of I’m All Business.
The Trotters Cup will see master trotting trainer Brent Lilley field three runners, including leading candidates Frosty Girl and El Conqueror, against Rudd’s last start winner Bennie And The Jets and the high-performing Kings Guard who will come 40 meters off the track.
The first of nine events program starts at 1:24 p.m.
Despite the challenges of maintaining ongoing operations at Cobram, Rudd still has hope for the future.
Clubs like Shepparton that race weekly will need a break for maintenance and it’s where we might be able to have some more meetings.
Certainly based on its prime location and popularity with trainers and drivers, Cobram has the right to remain part of Harness Racing in Victoria.
Through Tony Milanesefor Harnesslink
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