CHAIRMAN’S Welcome This Friday marks the last meeting of the Ladbrokes Friday Night Lights season with a card containing no less than four black-type races headlined by the 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes. The Group 1 feature now holds a prize pool of $1 million, and never fails to deliver a highly competitive and fascinating race. Who can forget Willy Pike weaving Masked Crusader to victory along the rail in last year’s edition? This year, all eyes will be on Marabi who will be looking to remain undefeated from eight races and post her second Group 1 win. It’s the final heat of the Ladbrokes 55 Second Challenge and training partnership Lyn Tolson and Leonie Proctor will be hoping that their stable star Curran can last one more week so they can take home the $55,000 cheque. It will be a nervous wait as the last heat can often deliver the fastest time – we think back to Sisstar knocking off stablemate Meteorite’s time last year. Another big highlight on an eventful night comes just after race three. Thanks to Thoroughbred Industry Careers and Pony Club Australia, we are incredibly proud to be the first Victorian Club to host an Exhibition Pony Race. Interestingly, Pony Club was an important stage on Hugh Bowman’s pathway to his championship career and, of course, as jockey of our beloved racemare Winx. If you are trackside, look out for the traditional Barrier Draw Giveaway during the evening, and after the last race we will have our annual Track Stomp where you can walk onto the hallowed turf of The Valley as we farewell another memorable season of racing under lights. DON CASBOULT CHAIRMAN
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