Thursday, 17 October 2024

 Anthony CARBINES (Ivanhoe – Minister for Police, Minister for Crime Prevention, Minister for Racing) (14:27): I am really pleased to rise and give people an update on the Spring Racing Carnival, in particular Caulfield on Saturday for the world’s richest 2400-metre handicap race, the time-honoured Caulfield Cup. Half a million dollars from the Major Racing Events Fund is being committed by our government for the Caulfield carnival. That is already reaping dividends. We have seen 20 per cent increases in crowds – 18,000 there at the Caulfield Guineas just last week.

When I am there this week, with my plus one the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, at the Caulfield Cup we will be down in the winners’ enclosure, and there may be a chance that we might miss a bit of the action. But I know that the local member the member for Caulfield will be present, and if we need any replays or we miss anything he will have it covered for us. I also want to touch on the fact that last year I missed the Caulfield Cup because I was with my good friend the member for Ripon at the Avoca Cup – great picnic races up in the bush. I want to also make that point more broadly about our country cups. Good luck to them all, particularly the Geelong Cup, which is next Wednesday with the members for Geelong, Lara and Bellarine.

Back to Caulfield and the Heath, though, I do know that the member for the Nepean has accepted. He might want to keep an eye on To Be Or Not To Be, which looks a good chance in race 6. My good friend the member for Sunbury will be there, and I know that he will be on Poifect in race 8. I am sorry the member for Brighton cannot come. There is always an opportunity to turn up, but in race 2 I do suggest Bodyguard. I know the member for Sandringham is going to be there. He is a big fan of supporting racing, and he will be on Midtown Boss in race 7 perhaps. The federal member for Wannon is going to be there. He is a great supporter, and I know that he has been talking to Mrs McArthur in the other place about the cup, particularly Warmonger and Revolutionary Miss in race 8. The father of the house – cannot leave him out of course – on Another Prophet in race 6. I am really disappointed that no-one’s picked up Too Darn Discreet in race 4 from those on the other side, but for the member for Hawthorn, Deny Knowledge and Inevitable Truth. Get on board. Whoever you are supporting, we will see you on Saturday.