THE Pinjarra Race Club has pulled off a major coup with 2015 Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne set to hit the track at the Magic Millions WA Ladies Day on February 7.
Pinjarra Park general manager Michael Lodding said the Club was pleased and excited Payne, who became the first female to win the Melbourne Cup when she steered Prince of Penzance to the post first, had taken time out from her busy schedule to ride at Pinjarra Park for the first time.
“In keeping with our hugely successful ladies day theme, Michelle was approached as seen as the perfect fit,” he said.
“Pinjarra Park is approaching leading trainers for riding opportunities and to date we have received significant interest in engaging Michelle’s services – trainers can contact the club for details of her riding agent.”
Lodding said the club also hoped to have Payne present the Ladies Day Fashions on the Field winner if riding commitments allowed it.
“We expect a 4000 strong crowd so hope the patrons are out in force at Pinjarra Park to pass on their appreciation to Michelle in achieving the historical event of being the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup,” he said.
The event also marks the first time that the Magic Millions race series is held in Pinjarra with the announcement in November that the event would be moved from Ascot where it had been held since it’s inception in 1999.
The total prize money on offer across the two Magic Millions races on the day has also been increased from $300,000 to $400,000.
Gates open at approximately two hours before the first race with bars and food outlets open from around 11.30am with the first race at around 12.50pm.
Entry is free for women with a complimentary Thorny Devil beverage or soft drink provided for those over 18.
General admission is $15 per person, $10 for concession card holders and children under 16 are free.
Registration for the men’s and women’s Fashion on the Field events commences at 11.30am at the desk near the stage and will be limited to the first 100 entrants.
The women’s winner will receive Thomas Sabo jewelry to the value of $2000 and Mandurah Hypoxi Studio is giving a 12 session voucher for the ladies winner and free trial voucher for each finalist.
Tuckey's Hardware Pinjarra and Mandurah are providing a barbecue to the men’s winner with Carlton United Breweries hampers to the finalists.
A Mandurah Bus service is available from various points including the Mandurah train station.
Bookings are essential on 0412 911 938.
Return bus fare includes free entry.
