Chinese New Year Raceday continues to provide something for everyone and this year it has even more entertainment on and off the track.
Perth Racing will be turning on the red and gold this Saturday to welcome the Year of the Dog for the 2018 Chinese New Year raceday, on February 24 as Perth’s Chinese New Year celebrations wrap up at Ascot. Guests will enjoy a jammed packed afternoon of great racing, Chinatown markets, lanterns, live music, Chinese Lion, Drum Dancers and Chinese cultural shows.
4000 people are expected to come out to Ascot Racecourse for one of the final events celebrating the new lunar Year of the Dog. Entry is just $15 at the gate with gates open 9am, The event will open with the excitement of the Dragon Dancers at 11.15am and presentations from the Chinese Consul-General Mr Lei Kezhong and other dignitaries followed by cultural shows throughout the day.
Chinese New Year Raceday continues to provide something for everyone and this year it has even more entertainment on and off the track. Swedish born jockey Lisa Staples and her husband Craig Staples will be riding for the Penang Turf Club Trophy and battle one another in Saturday’s first race for Chinese New Year Raceday. Both Lisa and Craig are riding Paul Jordan trained horses in the opening event for what promises to be a prosperous start for Chinese New Year. Other fortunes might be cast with the likes of Lucy Warwick riding the Lindsey Smith trained, I’m Feeling Lucky in the Australian Chinese Times-Detonator Stakes and look out for Jerry Noske aboard King of Wu and Shaun McGruddy aboard a punters favourite Jingtang in the Year of the Dog Handicap.
Perth Racing Managing Director John Yovich said Chinese New Year festivities are a great celebration where Perth comes out to celebrate the end of Chinese New Year and we celebrate our connections with both business and social groups within the Chinese communities on this very special occasion.
“Celebrating the good times is what we are all about at Perth Racing. We offer quality thoroughbred racing and a great environment for our communities,” said Mr Yovich, Perth Racing Managing Director.
“We’re very pleased to announce the Chinese lion dancers will return to Ascot this Saturday for Chinese New Year Raceday, celebrating the Year of the Dog. Crowds will enjoy a family friendly and culturally packed show. It’s been a great event partnership between our Australia China connections and the support of the Association of Greater China and The Australian Chinese Times,” Mr Yovich said.
2018 Chinese New Year Raceday Entertainment Schedule:
Programme Performer
11:15am - 11:25am Dragon Dance -Chow Kwoon Yarn Yee Tong Kungfu Academy
11:30am Drum Dance - Australian Mulan Culture and Art Association (36 people show)
11:40am Opening Remarks MC
11:45am Flag raising ceremony - Jun Zhang (Aust Anthem & China Anthem)
11:50am Speeches
12:01pm Gift Presentation
12:03pm New Year Greetings and Group Photo
12:49pm Race 1
Lucky Dance - Dahua Chinese School and Mongolian Dance- WA Healty Happy Art Group
1:29pm Race 2
Dance : Butterfly - Dahua Chinese School
2:09pm Race 3
Group Dance: Cherry Bloosm cheongsam – The Moves Dance Group
2:49pm Race 4
Group Dance: lift Your Veil- Zhidan's Folk Dancing Acadamy (10 people show)
Painting Performance - Mr. Ye and students from Dahua Chinese School
3:25pm Race 5
Taichi Performance - Taichi Association
4:05pm Race 6
Dance - Australian Chinese Women Federation
4:42pm Race 7
Dance - Australian Chinese Women Federation
Dance: Where they from - Love Free Dance Studio
5:17pm Race 8 – Last race
MC Conclusion