Is racing great? Yes, Minister

By Brad Kingsbury
TRICODES race day is an example of the success that co-operation within a huge industry can generate and this Sunday’s annual event at Cranbourne racecourse promises to be the biggest and best meeting of its type to date.
Victorian Minister for Racing, Rob Hulls, agreed that the extraodinary effort put in by officials and participants of the racing, pacing and chasing codes had developed the unique race day into a showcase event and he was proud to have had a hand in its initiation during his first stint as Minister for Racing in 2002.
“I was very proud to be the minister that actually spoke to (representatives of) the three codes six years ago, with the suggestion that they try a tricodes meeting,” he said.
“There was some scepticism in the early days and some people thought that it wouldn’t work and the crowds wouldn’t come. It just goes to show that if you offer a new product to race goers they will come and I think it sends a message to the rest of the racing industry to have a look at how well it works.”
Mr Hulls described Tricodes as an inovation that had been responsible for an increase in interest in the racing industry from people not traditionally involved. Its focus on action had also attracted a younger audience to the meeting.
“It’s all about thinking outside the square,” he said.
“Tricodes is non-stop action and that’s what people want. The demographic of people who have attended previous Tricodes meetings have seen something like 70 percent under the age of 40.
“It has encouraged a new breed of racegoer to the track,” Mr Hulls said.
City of Casey mayor Colin Butler was thrilled with the growth of Tricodes over its six-year existence and declared the facilities the envy of the sporting world.
“Anybody that comes out to Casey Fields in very envious of our facilities and when you add our magnificent racing facilities to that I think it’s fair to say that we are the sporting capital of the south east,” he said.
Cr Butler encouraged residents and visitors to district to participate in the event, which he said had become a tradition in Casey.
“All concillors support it and get along if they can and so does the CEO and other council officers. It’s a great event for Casey and I expect a great crowd again,” he said.
“It showcases one of the few racecourses in the world that accommodates the three codes of racing and also highlights the popularity and importance of our local racing industry.”
Cr Butler said that in addition to the 23 races on the day, there will be a range of children’s activities and food stalls with something for all the family.
Cr Butler acknowledged the efforts of the three codes in their joint organisation of the event, particularly Cranbourne Turf Club Chief Executive Officer Neil Bainbridge, Harness Club Chief Executive Officer Jacquie Richardson and Greyhound Racing Club Chief Executive Officer Tony Wright.
He said that he was looking forward to attending the day but, not being a punter, he would have to rely on others for tipping expertise.
“With three sets of stewards, race-callers, judges and countless other officials of the three codes, successfully working together on this event is a credit to all concerned,” he said.
“I’ll be there (but) I don’t have a bet so I’m taking my son-in-law, Jamie Bartling. He loves his racing and every year he says ‘let’s go to tricodes’. When he heard I was mayor this year he started getting ready for the big day.”