Scratched: the future of Boxing Day races in doubt

Club president Tom O’Connor said the change was still being considered but a draft 2018 program had been released without the Boxing Day event. 

Mr O’Connor said Racing Victoria had approached the club and asked them to look at running one less non-TAB race in exchange for two extra TAB races. 

“It’s about the club growing from a professional racing point of view and considering taking the opportunity to grow the race program,” he said.

“Racing clubs have not been offered more race meets of late, if anything they’re being taken off people, so being given the change to grow the program is something the club will take seriously and consider.”

If the draft program is finalised Wodonga Race Club will run eight TAB race meets and one non-TAB meet.

In 2017 they ran six TAB meets and two non-TAB meets, one being the Boxing Day races. 

TAB meets tend to be more professional and prestigious.

Mr O’Connor said the offer was a great opportunity.

He said this year a couple of thousand people gathered in Wodonga, for what might be the final Boxing Day races in the city. 

“We had a steady flow of people from 11.30am, we always expect it to be a bit of a late start on Boxing Day,” Mr O’Connor said.

The post-Christmas race have become a crowd favourite for residents.

Summer Benson and Sarah Sharp attend every year for a bet and a lazy day relaxing with friends.

“There’s a great social atmosphere, it’s a good time to catch up with friends after Christmas,” Miss Benson said.

Daniel Lehmann said the day was a chance to get together while everyone is still home for the Christmas holidays. 

Wodonga’s Nicole Berg brings her children to the races every year.

“They do a great job and it’s fantastic day to come and relax and have fun on Boxing Day,” she said.