Grapes & Gallops - where wine meets equine on January 19, 2014

MORE than 2000 people are again expected to enjoy fabulous wine, fashion and racing at the Mount Barker Cooperative Mt Barker Grapes & Gallops at Frost Park on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Grapes & Gallops is the biggest annual event on the Mount Barker Turf Club's calendar attracting punters from around the Great Southern and Perth. This exciting race day features a 8-race program and includes the Great Southern's richest race, the $90,000 Mungrup Stud Sprint over 1300 metres.

Grapes & Gallops chairperson Kim Tyrer said the event was a celebration of the region's premium wine, gourmet food, combined with fashion and horse racing.

“It is a fantastic family event with the atmosphere of a good old-fashioned country race day,” Ms Tyrer said.

Racegoers will be able to sample wines from nine Mt Barker producers including Arcadia, Galafrey, Gilberts, West Cape Howe, 3 Drops, Plantagenet Wines, Hawkers Ridge and Chatsfield. These wines will also be the perfect accompaniment to a gala three-course luncheon which this year is proudly sponsored by the Shire of Plantagenet.

A highlight of the day will be the annual fashions on the field with prizes awarded to the best dressed filly and colt. Families will also been catered for with entertainment provided for children.

A range of regional produce will be available including strawberries and cream, yabbies, Bratwurst, stuffed spuds, gourmet pizzas, freshly shucked Albany oysters, local honey and fudge.

“Get dressed up, find a fabulous hat, come along and try a glass of award-winning wine, some delicious gourmet food and enjoy a great day of country horse racing,” she said.

Action on the day starts at noon until 8pm at Frost Park, McDonald Avenue, Mt Barker. Entry is $20 for adults and $10 concession with children under 18 free. While this is a family event it is also a licensed area and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Mungrup Stud is the State’s biggest thoroughbred stud with a large annual draft of well credentialed yearlings offered at the Magic Millions Sale at Belmont in February. Situated south of Mt Barker, Mungrup Stud is owned and managed by Gray and Jan Williamson whose family has a long history of involvement in racing and breeding industry in Western Australia.

The Mount Barker Cooperative Mount Barker Grapes & Gallops event is a joint venture with Mount Barker Turf Club and Mount Barker Wine Producers.

Bookings are currently being taken for the luncheon, and table and chairs for the day. Corporate tents are also available. Buses are available between Albany and Mt Barker contact Busy Blue Bus for details on (08) 9846 4757.

For more information go to www.grapesandgallops.com. For bookings and enquiries phone 0481 112 559 or email info@grapesandgallops.com