2019 Roma Picnics’ $500 nod to trainers

The Roma Picnic Race Club is offering an exciting new incentive for local trainers at their annual race day at Bassett Park on March 30.

For the first time, the Club will present the Trainer of the Day with a $500 Commerce Roma gift card.

Sponsored by Synergy Accountants, the Trainer of the Day aims to recognise and reward the efforts of country trainers.

Roma Picnic Race Club President Scott Arthur said it was a small step in promoting a healthy racing industry across the Maranoa.

“We’ve been pretty passionate about trying to increase our prize money in recent years and we now race for close to $70,000,” he said.

“The Synergy Accountants Trainer of the Day award is just one way to support the racing industry and acknowledge the efforts of a trainer who stands out on the day.

“Last year that would have been an easy pick with Bevan Johnson winning three of the five races.”

Trainer of the Day will be awarded at the end of the racing program and the winner can spend the $500 voucher at a large range of local businesses.

“We thought that by giving them a Commerce Roma gift card we could be sure the money was spent locally as a lot of these businesses generously support our event each year,” Mr Arthur said.

The Roma Picnic Races will kick off with the Black Toyota Black Tie Ball on Friday March 29 followed by a full day of racing, fashion and live music on Saturday.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in the races this year and although our Black Tie Ball is sold out, we still have an online special available for gate tickets on the Saturday,” Mr Arthur said.

“Anyone can jump online and buy a gate ticket for $20 now – all tickets on the day will be $25.”