3 minute read

One jockey riding in every race at Flemington, Moe, Avoca and Colac on ANZAC day this Sunday will honour the spirit of ANZAC by wearing an exclusive set of ANZAC day colours.

The use of the ANZAC day colours is a joint initiative of Racing Victoria Limited and the Victorian Branch of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) and will help mark Australia’s remembrance of our fallen soldiers.

The special race colours embrace the spirit of ANZAC with the official golden Australian Army Badge, more commonly referred to as the ‘Rising Sun’, set against the khaki army colours.

Racing Victoria Limited’s Chief Executive Officer Robert Nason said: “It is fitting that the thoroughbred racing industry celebrate the contribution of our Australian war veterans in this honourable way.

"Twenty-seven races throughout Victoria will feature the special ANZAC Day colours, honouring the memory of our fallen soldiers and championing the spirit of ANZAC.”

Major General David McLachlan AO, State President of the Victorian Branch of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL), said the spirit of ANZAC around the State would be enhanced by the prominent display of ANZAC Day colours.

“We in the veteran community congratulate Racing Victoria Limited for this ANZAC Day initiative.

"We welcome every opportunity that is given for the community to understand the tremendous sacrifices that have been made by the men and women of our armed forces to enable us to enjoy the freedom we have today in Australia.”

The Australian Racing Board (ARB) has coordinated a tribute to fallen soldiers with the observation of a minute’s silence at 12:51pm on ANZAC Day across all racecourses nationwide.

Victoria Racing Club, Moe Racing Club, Avoca Shire Turf Club and Colac St. Patrick’s Racing Club will host meetings on Sunday 25 April, partaking in a range of commemorative ANZAC Day activities.