- Minister for Racing
The Andrews Labor Government is backing greyhound racing's Melbourne Cup program at Sandown tonight, with top racing and family entertainment at the top of the bill.
The Melbourne Cup is one of the premier greyhound races in Australia and is widely regarded around the world.
Sixty-four greyhounds battled it out in eight heats last Friday, with the eight winners progressing to the $630,000 final.
The Labor Government has invested $30,000 from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund - Raceday Attraction Program to support the Cup heats and tonight's final.
This year's Melbourne Cup meeting also promises plenty of entertainment outside the action on the track.
Australian Idol finalist Lee Harding will perform and there will be Vietnamese music and dance performances, Asian food stalls, kids' activities including face painting, inflatable rides and roving entertainment, a fireworks display, and lucky wristband prizes for people aged 18 and over.
The evening will also feature the presentation of the club's Community Superhero Awards to people who have made a significant contribution to the local community.
Since November 2014, the Government has approved more than $1 million to support 33 race events and three infrastructure projects at Sandown Greyhound Racing Club.
The greyhound racing industry in Victoria generates $500 million annually and helps sustain more than 4,300 full-time-equivalent jobs.
As stated by Minister for Racing Martin Pakula
"The Melbourne Cup is one of Australian greyhound racing's great events and we're proud to help Sandown put on another great edition tonight."
As stated by Sandown Greyhound Racing Club chief executive Greg Miller
"We're grateful for the strong support of the Andrews Labor Government - this year's event promises to be the biggest and best yet."
