PAKENHAM Racing Club has received a major boost to its racing calendar after gaining the $75,000 Great Southern Steeple on its Super Jumps Sunday on May 23.

The progressive Club is urging the crowds to flock to the track on the day for what could be the ‘last time’ for jumps racing featuring the Club’s richest jumps racing program. The major announcement by Racing Victoria Limited saw the transferral of the Great Southern Steeple from Mornington and the re-scheduling of the Pakenham-owned MJ Bourke Hurdle.

Pakenham Racing Club chief executive Michael Hodge said the Club would be throwing ‘its weight’ behind the day and urged jumps regulars and those who are yet to have experienced it first hand to bring along the family to what could be the ‘last time’ at Pakenham.

“While it may very well be a sad time for jumps racing, we are committed to presenting a fantastic day to help show the enormous support for it in Victoria,” said Mr Hodge.

“The day has been given an extra boost by the transferral of the Great Southern Steeple, and this will bring some terrific jumpers.”

Jumps racing in Victoria faces an uncertain future after originally set to be phased out by Racing Victoria Limited after 2010. An outcry from the jumps racing community has prompted its return, however, at strict conditions which may see 2010 be the last season once a review takes place.

The international racing style is most recognised and publicised by the annual Warrnambool Carnival, which hosts both the Grand National Hurdle and Grand National Steeple in front of more than 15,000 fans.

Mr Hodge said it was time for the community to help send a loud message to decision makers by throwing there support behind the May 23 race meeting.

“We definitely do not want to see the end of jumps racing at Pakenham, and the best way we can help jumps racing is to get everyone behind it,” he said.

“To do this we will be putting on children’s entertainment, increasing hospitality facilities, and running a month-long awareness campaign to ensure everyone knows how great a day it will be.”

For more details on the May 23^rd Super Jumps Sunday, please visit www.pakracing.com.au or contact the Club directly on 5491 1207.

For further information contact Anthony Millican on 0402 805 188 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.