Our season was unfortunately cut short owing to the outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Racing Victoria made an early call on abandoning the last five Picnic Race meetings of the season, our Easter Saturday meeting included.

The five meetings that we did have throughout the season were highly successful with record, or near record crowds attending on all of the days.  The weather was kind to us on most days and this always helps in keeping attendances up.

We had our marquees and roped off areas booked out on a number of days and this showed how popular the Balnarring Picnics are for companies to have their end of year break ups, family reunions and parties, plus the usual bucks and hens parties

Our Members Draw was extremely popular again with prizes to the value of $1300 being given at each meeting. 

One of highlights of the year was the win by My Peter in the Balnarring Cup trained by local trainer Monica Cid.  It was a very popular win as Monica has trained and been a great supporter of Balnarring for a number of years.

Our Caring for the Community programme was highly successful again this year with the following groups being presents with cheques for $1000.00 on their nominated race days: Disabled Surfers Mornington Peninsula, Dogs for Kids, Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association and Abacus Early Learning Centre for Children with Autism.

As well as these recipients the club donated $5000 to the Bushfire Appeal.  This money went to Gippsland Farmers Relief where it will be used to assist farmers affected by the fires. Another one of our members, Neil McCormack generously donated the use of his semi-trailer and his time to cart a load of donated hay from the Peninsula to East Gippsland where it was put to good use.  We thank Neil for this generous gesture.

Even though the season was cut short work still goes on at the course.  Our new watering system is being installed and thanks to the fine weather work has proceeded at a great rate.

Again, thank you for your support and we look forward to working with you closely in the upcoming season.

Please stay safe in these difficult times.  Terry Mulcahy – President Balnarring Picnic Racing Club Inc