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Media Release: Oakbank Racecourse to come alive with inaugural Oakbank Week

Residents from the far corners of South Australia and beyond will flock to Oakbank Racecourse next month when it comes alive for the inaugural Oakbank Week on April 5, 8 and 11.

Announced in late 2019, Oakbank Week brings to the Adelaide Hills a treasure chest of new traditions that will breathe new life into one of the world’s largest picnic races.

Spread across three feature days, Oakbank Week comprises the Corporate & Community Day, Von Doussa Family Food & Wine Day, and Oakbank Easter Saturday (see below for more details).

Throughout the schedule, there will be a combination of exciting flats and jumps races, including the historic Von Doussa Steeplechase, the Onkaparinga Cup and Legendary Great Eastern Steeplechase.

There will also be a wealth of live entertainment, the ever-popular Fashions on the Field, countless children’s activities, and the very best produce, foods and fine wine from the Adelaide Hills region.

Oakbank Racing Club Chairperson Arabella Branson said Oakbank Week builds upon the club’s more than 140-year history in the Adelaide Hills community.

“Oakbank Racing Club has a proud history dating back to 1875,” Ms Branson said.

“During that time, our committee, staff, volunteers, jockeys and horses, with the help of the local community, have created incredible memories that have lasted generations.

“In 2020, we are looking to start a new tradition with the launch of Oakbank Week – a truly one-of-a-kind three-day event that will draw crowds from far and wide who will have the pleasure of immersing themselves in one of the world’s largest picnic races while still enjoying Easter with their loved ones.”

The Oakbank Week calendar features:

  • Von Doussa Family Food & Wine Day on Sunday, April 5 from 10.30am-5pm. Features: Five flat and two jumps races including the Von Doussa Steeplechase, Adelaide Hills wineries in pop-up cellar doors, spin-off Adelaide Hills Farmers Market, and local food trucks. Children’s activities and games, including arts and crafts, face painting, foam hockey, totem tennis, soccer, basketball, mini golf, bocce, tug-o-war, relay races on hobby-horses, quoits, hoops, skipping ropes and parachuting.
  • Corporate & Community Day on Wednesday, April 8 from 10.30am-5pm. Features: Emergency Services crews, local football clubs and other sporting organisations will compete in fitness, fashion and baking challenges, plus six flat and two jumps races. Business networking at a corporate luncheon in the refurbished C.S. Hayes Bar.
  • Oakbank Easter Saturday on Saturday, April 11 from 10.30am-5pm. Features: Full race card, including the Great Eastern Steeplechase, Hills Railway Stakes and Onkaparinga Cup, family picnic and barbecues, food trucks, bars, and children’s sports and games in the Melba’s Kidz Zone. Also includes Fashions on the Field contest, TAB facilities, range of specialised packages and reserved access, including the ‘Back Paddock Package’, a ‘Reserved Umbrella Site’, a ‘Reserved Private Marquee’, and the ‘Fallen Log Terrace’.

Ms Branson, who was appointed last year as the first-ever female Chairperson in Oakbank’s long-standing history, invited residents from across the state – and even wider – to attend Oakbank Week.

“The inaugural Oakbank Week is an event not to be missed,” Ms Branson said.

“There will be much for both children and their parents to do and see throughout the course of the week, including watching our full card of races from the lush grassed trackside area to enjoying some delicious gourmet foods and enjoying a variety of entertainment

“We invite you to come and enjoy a memorable day out with us at Oakbank.”

More details about Oakbank Week or to purchase tickets to each feature day, visit our website at: here

Media Contacts – The Press Gallery

Sarah Coligan m. 0404 003 061 / e. sarahcoligan@thepressgallery.com.au

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