Harness
WA harness racing to light up New Year’s celebrations
WA’s harness racing headquarters is set for a spectacular start to the New Year, with Gloucester Park CEO Michael Radley promising to light up the sky in the annual Retravision Fireworks event.
Radley guaranteed Gloucester Park would put on a stunning light show for the many families expected to pile into the venue for their New Year's Eve celebrations and there will also be a host of kids' activities
"Well, they're iconic aren't they … it's what Gloucester Park is known for," Radley said of the popular annual fireworks display.
"The Cardile family who do the fireworks, we've had such a long relationship with each other, and they certainly give us a little bit extra every time they come to Gloucester Park. It's a highlight of the night to bring in the New Year and there is no better way to do it.
"It's just great how many people come and enjoy the fireworks and the races and you're really showcasing Gloucester Park to the local community in a positive light, not just to punters interstate. We've made it more family friendly and it's all about coming to the track and having a good time rather than just trying to get as many people as we can here with live bands.
"It's going to be a great night for everybody."
Radley said the event would cap what had been a memorable year at Gloucester Park, which had ramped up in the summer months. He said the performances of seemingly ageless duo Minstrel and Magnificent Storm, in addition to younger star Mister Smartee, had been major on-track highlights.
"It's been a really strong end to the year for the club and the racing has been fantastic," he said.
"We've got some really good horses here at the moment and they don't seem to age, they just seem to get better. Even after a setback, Magnificent Storm is racing as good as ever and Minstrel has gone to another level.
"The horses have become more fine and fast over the years, but there is no doubt how tough and resilient they are."
The Bunbury Trotting Club will also host its annual New Year's Eve event on Wednesday night, with holidaymakers expected to then gather the following night at the Busselton Trotting Club's Churchill Park track.
Busselton president Dennis Russell said the club regularly helped new people become engaged with the harness racing industry during their summer visits to the South West town.
"It's an important night for the club and a great way to rejoice and start the New Year," Russell said.
"We often introduce people to harness racing and if they come, they are going to experience excitement, close-up racing action and good family entertainment."
Russell said the event would include two pony trot races and colouring-in activities and show bags for children.
The harness racing action will return to Gloucester Park on Friday night, with the week's program rounding out with a meeting at Albany on Saturday night.
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