ST Patrick’s Day is shaping up to be one of the biggest in history this year, with celebrations of the 60th anniversary meeting of the Broken Hill Bank St Pats race meeting ready to jump from the gates.
The Club’s Argent Street headquarters opened for business on Wednesday, with Broken Hill City Council Mayor Cr Tom Kennedy and Broken Hill Bank’s Louise Hunt cutting the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Club vice president Leanne Barber said she’s been overwhelmed with the interest in this year’s race day.
“The enquiries and purchasing of tickets online have been amazing,” she said. “The level of interest has even surprised us.”
Cr Kennedy said the annual event injects thousands of dollars into the local economy.
“It brings people into town which is a great boost for our local economy,” he said.
“Council has a strong working relationship with St Pats, we will do everything we can to make sure it is successful and continues for the benefit of Broken Hill.”
The racetrack has received a facelift thanks to Steve Radford and his team.
“There was remedial work that needed doing on the track and Steve identified this and has stepped up to make sure we have the best racing conditions for horses and jockeys,” racecourse works co-ordinator Marc Coulter said.
“The Radford family has always been there for St Pats and the community and once more they have supplied men, machinery and thousands of tons of sand. “
Mr Coulter also said a new undercover public area for patrons will also be unveiled prior to the day.
“It will be a huge winner and will just make a day at the races much more enjoyable,” he said.
“The structure is in a prime location, we feel it will quickly become a popular site with our race goers.”
With larger numbers than usual anticipated for this years event, the public bars will expand to cater for everyone.
“It is something we discussed, common sense says with more people on course it means we need to cater for their needs so the Sturt Club bar adjacent to the betting ring will double its serving capacity,” licensee Jason Bradley said.
With the expansion the club is looking for people who have an responsible service of alcohol qualification to work at the races.
“We are always on the lookout for bar staff,” Mr Bradley said.
“The conditions and pay are good the hours not too long so if people are interested, we urge them to contact the office.”
The St Pats office located alongside the BHP on Argent Street and is now staffed and selling memberships, general admission tickets, and souvenirs.
“We are open for business,” said Mrs Barber
“It is an exciting time for our club and Broken Hill there is a real buzz around now and that will only build.”
