On Thursday, the club confirmed this year’s meeting would not go ahead despite coronavirus restrictions continuing to ease across regional Victoria.
“The Elmore Harness Racing Club has been informed that due to the current restrictions on racing, that clubs that hold annual race meets will be cancelled for this year so sadly our Boxing Day meet will not go ahead,” a post on the club’s Facebook page said.
“We look forward to seeing you all again Boxing Day 2021.”
Club president Shelly Cotchin said she was disappointed the event would not be going ahead.
“Unfortunately, the situation is out of our control and keeping everyone safe is the most important thing,” she said.
“The committee is disappointed, and I think that will extend into the community.
“Last year was a terrific event and we thought it was a great success.”
Despite the disappointment of not having the race run later this year, Cotchin said the day would be back bigger and better in 2021.
“We’re hoping to make the meeting as big as we possibly can,” she said.
“There are a lot of good people involved at the club and I think we can build the day into something special.
“Hopefully we can get a lot of support from Elmore and the surrounding district.”
Heathcote trainers and drivers made their mark at the meeting in 2019.
Inter Dominion-winning horseman Jim O’Sullivan and his daughter Shannon appropriately claimed the O’Sullivans Transports Elmore Pacing Cup with Fourstarzzzspecial.
Shannon drove Fourstarzzzspecial to a short half-head win over the favourite, the Laura Crossland-trained and driven Celerina in a two-horse war to the wire.
The Rochester-trained pacer Dunrobbin filled the minor placing more than 10 metres away.
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