Historical information

The Mepunga & District Racing Club was formed at a meeting of sportsmen from various hamlets east of Warrnambool held at the Allans Forest State School, Mepunga West. The club was formed to conduct picnic race meetings in aid of charity and patriotic funds. On the committee were two representatives from Allansford, Cudgee, Mepunga, Nirranda, Nullawarre and Panmure, with Mr. W. Bant of Panmure elected as president. The club held its first race meeting, at Warrnambool, on 22 April 1944 in aid of district Red Cross Funds. It held four annual picnic race meetings from 1944 to 1947. [Source: Mark McNamara, The 'Bool: the history of racing in Warrnambool. -Self published, 2018. p.191]

Significance

This program is from the first race meeting of the Mepunga and District Picnic Race Club held at the Warrnambool Racecourse on 22nd April 1944 to raise funds for the Red Cross during the war years. It contains a list of all office bearers and officials as well as placegetters and some jockey's names.

Physical description

Small dark pink covered booklet of 20 pages, containing the official programme of the Mepunga and District Picnic Race Club race meeting held 22nd April 1944. The booklet has grey lead pencil markings noting some riders and placegetter across the six race program.

Inscriptions & markings

Front Cover: Mepunga and District Picnic Race Club Race Meeting (Affiliated with the S.W.D.R.A.) Saturday 22nd April, 1944; Official Programme one shilling;
In aid of Red Cross Funds; E.P. Gibbons J Croft Hon Secs.; Modern Print, W'bool
Inside Front Cover: Notice to Owners, Trainers and Riders. Prices to Enclosures
Inside Rear Cover: Map of the Warrnambool Racecourse
Rear Cover: All complaints concerning paid or unpaid bets MUST be lodged at the Secretary's office within THIRTY MINUTE of the race on which the bet was made other wise they will not be entertained.; Notice to Bookmakers. Fees must be paid at Secretary's Office prior to First Race.