By Shawn Gilmore
WITH the St Patrick’s Race Club meeting still five months away some areas have sold out which has forced the club into extending several hospitality packages.
The milestone 60th anniversary event has attracted interest from all over Australia with many locals planning to return to Broken Hill for the event.
The bookings went live online four weeks ago, and the demand has taken the club by surprise.
“It has been incredible,” said St Pats vice president Leeanne Barber.
“We were expecting a surge in bookings due to it being our 60th event but the response has been amazing. “
The Lawn Lounge sold out in record time with 200 tickets snapped up and all 40 picnic sites were gone.
“After discussions with our convenors we increased the lawn lounge by another 50 people and we will have an additional picnic site set up with more tables and chairs,” Ms Barber said.
The rush on tickets for the Gary Radford Pavilion and Wackys bar has also forced the club into expanding both areas to cater for the additional demand.
According to Ms Barber it’s a nice problem to have.
“The good thing is we have the room to increase, and we have,” she said.
The planning for next year has been on-going since May with the club well advanced.
“We have our race sponsors confirmed and several of our corporate sponsors have committed which is very pleasing,” said race club treasurer Marc Coulter.
“There is still plenty of interest and we are delighted that several new companies and organisations are supporting us along with those that have been with us for many years.”
In recognition of the tough economic climate the Club has decided to keep the cost of all tickets for 2025 at the same level as this year.
“It was unanimous,” Mr Coulter said.
“We need to look after the people that support us. “
The club will also pay a starters rebate for every horse that starts a race at St Pats regardless of where it finishes from first to last – the trainer will receive a rebate.
“With the cost of fuel and accommodation the trainers will know before they load a horse into their float, they will be compensated for travelling to St Pats,” Mr Coulter said.=
The club met with Racing NSW in Sydney after this year’s meeting to review the event and plan for 2025.
The rebates were discussed as was increasing prize money.
“We will be increasing our total prize money pool for next year we are just finalising a few things before making that public,” Mr Coulter said.
The St Pats office housed in the BHP pub is being staffed during the week.
“We have been kept busy with phone calls and emails,” said office manager Lyn Bent.
“We have already confirmed most of our race day officials and ancillary services.
“It is an exciting time for all our committee. “
Bookings can be made via 123 tix at 123tix.com.au or phoning the office on 08 80 877550.
