The Angelique Club, a club formed in 1994 to promote the role of women in harness racing, is marking its 30th anniversary with the inaugural running of The Pearl at Melton on Saturday, March 16.
The race is named in honour of Pearl Kelly, Australia’s first licensed reinswoman in 1916 and who once finished third in the Melbourne drivers’ premiership.
The Pearl is restricted to mares assessed at NR55 with no more than four lifetime wins and will be run over 1720 metres from the mobile with a stake of $20,000. The winning owner will receive a pearl from Broome set in 9 carat gold with a 9 carat chain donated by the Angelique Club.
Heats will be conducted at the Wangaratta and Birchip Cup meetings on March 10.
The Pearl is one of the highlights of the City of Melton meeting which also features the $50,000 City of Melton Plate, the $20,000 Ian Daff Memorial and the $20,000 Scotch Notch Memorial.
The Angelique Club plan to celebrate 30 years by a gathering of members and friends in the Scotch Notch Café at Melton Entertainment Park on March 16, starting at 6.30pm. Two of the Club’s foundation members, Jean Woods and Gay Donnelley, are still on the committee.
Meals will be served from the Café menu and drinks are at bar prices.
A sweep will be held for The Pearl race with the winner receiving a pearl drop necklace. All proceeds from the sweep will be donated to the Teal campaign.
A Punter’s Club will operate on the night.
RSVP by Monday, March 11 to Jenni Lewis jlewis@hrv.org.au or Judy Rothacker judy3754@gmail.com
