Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) today confirmed that thoroughbred racing will be conducted on Good Friday for the first time in 2017. With the support of Western Australian thoroughbred racing industry stakeholders,
With the support of Western Australian thoroughbred racing industry stakeholders, including the heads of its jockeys and trainers associations, RWWA has programmed a meeting for Ascot Racecourse on Friday 14 April, starting at approximately 1.30pm.
“AFL, rugby league and soccer matches will all be played on Good Friday in Australia this year and it is clear from not only those events but also our own consultation process, community attitudes to the day have changed,” said David Hunter, Manager, Racing Commercial & Planning, RWWA.
The Good Friday meeting at Ascot will feature the $200,000 WA Sires’ Produce Stakes, run at Group 3 level for the two‐years‐old’s.
Perth Racing Managing Director Professor John Yovich said “the British Horseracing the British Horseracing Authority introduced Good Friday thoroughbred racing in 2014 and families responded to its initiative by flocking to Lingfield Park on the outskirts of London in large numbers”.
“Perth Racing is happy to facilitate Good Friday racing and will provide free entry to patrons,” said Professor Yovich.
RWWA is consulting with Gloucester Park regarding the scheduling of the local metropolitan harness racing event leading into the Easter weekend.
David Hunter
Manager, Racing Commercial & Planning, RWWA