Half-day holiday for Orange races

Minster for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, today announced that Orange will receive a half-day holiday on Friday, April 11 for the races, which will provide a major economic boost for the city.

It follows approval from Orange City Council last night.

"This is great news for the city, the racing industry and is a major boost for the economy," Mr Macdonald said.

"It will provide a welcome shot in the arm for the local economy, which is needed following the devastation of equine influenza and the drought.

"Let’s really get behind this event and all get to the races in April.

"Seven years ago, Albury had 4,000 people attend its Gold Cup.

"After the city declared a half-day holiday, it recorded about 10,000 racegoers the following year, and this year expects to attract 20,000 - which is a major change in fortunes."

Orange Mayor, Cr John Davis, said Council was approached by Minister Macdonald and last night supported the proposal.

"This is a bold step but there is potential for this to grow into something special," Cr Davis said.

"In other areas where this has occurred the race day has grown to large numbers, bringing benefits to the communities involved.

"We have already seen cities like Albury significantly benefit from the half-day holiday and I would really like to see Orange do the same.

"The half day holiday for the Orange Colour City Cup will be a great way to get FOOD Week off to a flying start.

"By going ahead with this now it gives business and employees plenty of time to organise how they will deal with the holiday."

Bob Jenkins, Golden West Race Club said the event would be a greet boost for racing in Orange and throughout the Central West, and offered many spin-off benefits for local businesses and the racing industry alike.

"FOOD Week attracts a great crowd, but I think having this racing event combined with the holiday will serve as an additional attraction to get people to Orange," he said.

"It is good news for our trainers and other racing industry members, because the more people we get to this type of event, the more prizemoney we can offer and that all contributes to great racing in this area."

Mr Macdonald said the Minister for Industrial Relations, John Della Bosca, is expected to Gazette the holiday early in the new year.