Alison McDougal, Barry Field and Jenny Smith outside The Downtowner in Warragul.
Two long standing Warragul entertainment attractions, the Warragul Sporting and Social Club and Warragul Harness Racing Club, have joined forces ahead of the district's upcoming Easter Sunday trotting meeting.
The feature Warragul Cup race, to be staged on Easter Sunday, April 5, is being sponsored by the Sporting and Social Club and will be known this year as The Downtowner Warragul Pacing Cup.
Members of the Sporting and Social Club will be able to present their membership card for free admittance to the Cup event and all other racedays at Warragul.
With over 3000 social members, the club's Downtowner venue is a superb entertainment facility located in the centre of Warragul and, following the recent takeover of facilities at the nearby Longwarry Bowls Club, the Warragul Sporting and Social Club board are looking forward to linking with trotting and increasing the awareness of their activities in the local community.
"We're really excited to be part of the future of the Warragul Harness Racing Club," Warragul Sporting and Social Club General Manager Jenny Smith said.
"We wish the club all the success for the future. It's great to be able to offer our members an extra social activity also."
Similarly, the Warragul Harness Racing Club is excited to have such a popular local organisation on board as major sponsor for their flagship race.
"Warragul Cup day is well established on Easter Sunday, and by linking in with the Sporting and Social Club we are excited about the extra awareness we will be able to generate for our major event," Warragul Harness Racing Club Manager Alison McDougal said.
"Many of our patrons already enjoy the facilities at The Downtowner, and it's fantastic to have two great social attractions in Warragul joining forces in this way."
The Warragul Sporting and Social Club, formerly known as the Warragul Club, has been based in the centre of town for decades and has grown to now include a superb bistro and function room and members facilities including a first class TAB and lounge area.
Warragul Harness Racing Club recently unveiled a refurbished racetrack, one of the best of its kind in Australia, and club officials are excited about the prospect of some of Victoria's best horses converging on the Logan Park circuit for The Downtowner Warragul Pacing Cup in 2015.
As well as the main Pacing Cup event, two other feature races will be staged, namely the Eddie Evison and Ken Miller Memorial events, along with a support program.
A Fashions on the Field contest will also take place during the day, with excellent prizes on offer from local businesses.