Club secretary Peter O’Shea said the committee had decided to rename the meet, after the sudden passing of much-loved president Roger Brereton, in October.
“Roger has been a stalwart of both the Gunbower Harness Racing Club and Gunbower Racing Club for decades,’’ he said.
“He was a well-respected, highly regarded gentleman who will be sadly missed, not just by the committee but the wider racing community as well.’’
Brereton’s association with the club has seen him take on many roles over the years, serving as secretary from 1976 to 1983 and president from 2004 until his passing.
O’Shea said Brereton loved nothing more than getting in the car and travelling to other harness race clubs.
“He would sit down and ask what was happening and what were they doing, and he was always genuinely interested in the way other clubs operated,’’ he said.
‘’His willingness to listen and learn over the years certainly made Gunbower a stronger club.”
Brereton’s love for and commitment to racing saw him made a life member of both the Gunbower Harness Racing Club and Gunbower Racing Club.
He also received many accolades over the years, including an acknowledgement for his 60 years of service by Harness Racing Victoria.
Brereton’s passion for the club was obvious and he was particularly proud of the centenary milestone the club celebrated earlier this year.
“It will be a sad day for us all to go about the day without Roger’s dedication but we are honoured to have some of Roger’s immediate family as our guests on Sunday,” O’Shea said.
Brereton and his wife, Elaine (who died last year), will be honoured in race seven — The MVP Feeds Cohuna and Roger and Elaine Brereton Memorial Pace.
The club would also like to thank the major sponsor of the pacing cup, Travla.
O’Shea said 104 horses had been nominated across the nine-race program, making it a jam-packed race day and a great field.
He said all horses nominated on race day would go into a raffle with the chance to win two stallion services valued at over $2000 — the services having been kindly donated by Alabar Farm and Aldebaran Park.
VHRC is also offering a $1500 owners’ cash bonus and a $500 trainers’ cash bonus for any winners who are registered members of HRV.
Gates open at 11.30am, with free entry.
The first race will start at 12.23pm, while the last race is scheduled for 5.21pm.
A VIP marquee area will be set up along with other on-course catering, including a barbecue and pizza van.
The annual gumboot-throwing competition will be in full swing, along with free activities available for the kids, with Santa making a guest appearance via horse and cart.
O’Shea said the club was all set for another wonderful harness racing meet, although organisers were keeping a close eye on the weather.
“There is a bit of rain forecast for later in the week and we are hoping and praying we don’t get too much and the event will go ahead,” he said.
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