Why Canterbury’s Friday night racing is attracting record crowds
Canterbury’s Friday night racing is a galloping success with family entertainment proving a main attraction.
The Express
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Friday racing is here to stay at Canterbury Park if the numbers from the season’s first meeting are any indication.
With numbers soaring past the 8000 mark for November 15 meeting, the Australian Turf Club is now gearing for more than 10,000 at future races for the 2019/2020 season.
The allure of free family entertainment, hawker-style menu from the Canterbury Foodies & Farmers Market, live entertainment and pop-up bars is making the Kia Friday Night Racing the most popular event at Canterbury and western Sydney.
Entry for the eight-race card is free but what is more exciting for the families is the varied entertainment and food choices on offer.
ATC Turf Club Executive General Manager of Commercial Corina Black said there was an amazing vibe at the Friday night racing.
“There is a unique atmosphere at the night meetings which are attracting large numbers of young families and groups of friends looking to start their weekend with a fun and affordable night out,” Ms Black said.
“The huge range of food options, family entertainment and great racing are a perfect mix in the balmy late spring and early summer months.”
Canterbury Park — first used as racecourse back in 1871 — holds a unique place in the ATC calendar, being the only venue to host night racing in NSW.
The next race is on November 29 with Dora the Explorer and Sydney Thunder cricketers sharing the limelight off the track.
Other attractions include meeting a champion jockey, hot air balloon craft, pony rides and face painting.
There will be a special Christmas-themed event on December 13 and race meetings will continue until February 28.
Times: Gates open at 5.15pm with the first racehorses leaving the stalls at 6.15pm. The last race is scheduled for 9.45pm.
Details: https://www.australianturfclub.com.au/races/canterbury-park-race-night-friday-29-november-2019/