ValleyForm 27/09/2019

1 CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME It’s hard to believe we’re into Season 23 of Night Racing at The Valley and we couldn’t be more excited for the launch of Ladbrokes Friday Night Lights this evening. On what is such a big weekend across Melbourne, it’s a pleasure to welcome you to the track this evening and for the first time be offering $1 million in prizemoney for the Group 1 Charter Keck Cramer Moir Stakes. Named in honour of long serving committee member and former Chairman Sir Alan John Moir, the 1000 metre dash will see some of the fastest horses clash with the race boasting an impressive honour roll. Iron horse and Queensland sprinter Buffering is the first to come to mind as a three-time winner of the race, while Black Caviar goes into the history books as a dual winner, with popular sprinters Apache Cat and Miss Andretti also having staked their claim on the title. We also recognise the work and dedication of my predecessor Bob Scarborough tonight as well as former MVRC chairman Bill Stutt and committeeman W.H. Stocks, with each honoured with race names in recognition for what truly is one of the great nights of racing with five black- type races. On the topic of previous winners, in 2008 the Moir Stakes was won by the Tony Vasil trained Lucky Secret who was ridden by Danny Brereton. It is fitting this evening that Danny’s daughter Demi is unveiled as the Ladbrokes Friday Night Lights Ambassador. We welcome Demi here tonight and look forward to welcoming her across the season. Today’s public holiday marks the eve of the AFL Grand Final Eve and we wish the Richmond Tigers and Greater West Sydney Giants the best of luck for tomorrow’s big clash. It’s our pleasure to this evening welcome Wayne Carey, Kevin Bartlett, Russell Robertson, Zac Merrett, Lachie Neale and Clayton Oliver who are all joining us on course to add to the footy flavour. With AFL themed kids’ activities and plenty of AFL theming on course, we hope you all get into the footy spirit! With the countdown to the Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival well and truly on with less than 30 days to go, our Cox Plate Charity Pin volunteer sellers will be roaming the course tonight, with all proceeds donated to the Ronald McDonald House – Victoria & Tasmania. Thanks for joining us tonight and I look forward to welcoming you back at the track ahead of a huge Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival. Don Casboult Chairman