The Stony Creek Racing Club is gearing up for two major summer race days following a successful Christmas meeting that attracted a big crowd and top trainers from across Victoria.
Delightful weather was a change from the incessant rain of late, and brought our a swanky lineup of trainers including Anthony and Sam Freedman, Peter Moody and Ciaron Maher, with Carleen Hefel and Jason Maskiell among the top jockeys.
The feature race was named the Thank You Stephen Bradford Handicap, farewelling the club's long-serving committeeman and immediate past treasurer.
Stony Creek Racing Club CEO and former jockey Jason Benbow said the club extended its deepest gratitude to Stephen Bradford for his unwavering dedication and tireless contributions over the past few decades.
"Stephen's legacy at the Stony Creek Racing Club has been truly remarkable and the committee is grateful for the commitment he has shown throughout his time with us," Mr Benbow said. "As he transitions into the next chapter of his life, we wish him and his family all the very best."
Mr Bradford said the Stony Creek Racing Club was a wonderful club for South Gippsland that punched well above its weight with a very strong committee and membership. He recalled COVID as one of the club's biggest challenges, while new stalls and female jockey changerooms during his time as treasurer were great achievements.
Building on the Christmas success, the club now turns its attention to two family-friendly summer race days.
Stony Creek Family Fun Day on Tuesday 30 December sees gates open at 12pm for an extended long weekend celebration. The expansive lawn provides plenty of space to relax, or arrive early to secure public picnic tables under the gum trees. Children will be entertained all day with supervised activities, face painting, pony rides, JockeyCam VR experience and Kelly Sports. Between races, live music will fill the lawn while food trucks cook up a range of cuisines.
Groups can book reserved picnic tables and umbrellas, beanbags, or private marquees with food and drinks included.
School Holiday Racing takes place on Sunday 18 January, and celebrates the 39th anniversary of Stony Creek’s infamous triple dead heat. For tickets and information, visit the Stony Creek Racing Club website.
