Canberra will host an invitation race with local charities and community groups to benefit from the 12-horse event.
On Saturday, November 25, the Canberra Community Chest – a 1400-metre open handicap – will be run at Canberra Racecourse.
The race will be worth $250,000 with $200,000 of that to paid out as prizemoney with the other $50,000 to be shared between 12 charity and community partners with a meaningful connection to the Canberra region.
The charity and community partners will be chosen by an independent committee with Canberra Business Chamber Chair Archie Tsirimokos, Clubs ACT’s Operations Manager Kate Palmer and Region Media’s Group Editor Genevieve Jacobs AM charged with determining the most suitable partners.
Eleven partners will be selected with the final place in the race to be filled by one remaining eligible partner chosen as a ‘people’s choice’.
“Racing people are generous and love helping the community. This race day brings the community and racing together in a new and exciting way,” Canberra Racing Club chief executive Darren Pearce said.
“We are dedicated to being a force for good within the Canberra community and this is a great opportunity to give back through a top quality race day and event showcasing the best of regional produce and hospitality.
“It will be a true celebration of Canberra with purpose, for our community.”
Also added to the November 25 program is a $40,000 benchmark 75 fillies and mares’ event, which will be known as The Single Gaze.
The Nick Olive-trained Single Gaze was one of the recent stars from Canberra with the daughter of Not A Single Doubt having won the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes before later finishing second in the 2017 Caulfield Cup.
