Cup overflows with tasty treats

GOURMET food, elegant wine, superb fashion and exciting horse racing are all enjoyable pastimes, but rarely are the four all available in the one location.
Fortunately, the Pakenham Racing Club will combine all these indulgences at the largerthanlife Pakenham Cup Food and Wine Race Day on Sunday, 26 February.
Giving the Cup Day a distinctly gourmet flavour, Pakenham Racing Club racing manager Michael Hodge said the day would combine worldclass racing with awardwinning foods.
“Patrons will not only be able to watch the $100,000 Carlton Draught Cup on the club’s most popular race day, but will also be able to dine on a delicious selection of local foods and wines that we are so fortunate to produce in this region,” he said.
“We think that the combination of worldclass racing with awardwinning foods and wine just makes the whole day that much more appealing to the community.”
Mr Hodge said in conjunction with the Gateway to Gippsland Food and Wine Network, Pakenham Racing Club was working with key local food and wine producers and businesses to ensure a smorgasbord of delectable food and wine would be available for racegoers on Cup Day.
“Imagine enjoying a stunning selection of seasonal berries including strawberries and chocolate, platters of awardwinning local cheeses, indulgent icecream, homemade jams, pates and preserves, sizzling Gippsland beef steaks and gourmet sausages,” he said.
“An outstanding range of cool climate Cardinia Ranges wines will also be available to enjoy, all while watching the very exciting horse racing.
“You couldn’t wish for a better day.”
Visitors to the Pakenham Cup will find the local food and wine producers tastefully located in a row of white mini marquees at the entry to the betting area ready to be sampled by racegoers.
The Pakenham Cup Food and Wine Race Day will be held at the racecourse on Pakenham Cup Day. Gates will be open from 10.30am with the action starting at midday.