Race Club Justifies No Picnics

THE Scone Race Club has acknowledged the community backlash on their picnic ban at this year’s Scone Cup, explaining if they didn’t implement the picnic ban food vendors may not attend the event and they described the vendors reluctance to supply services as “rightfully so”.

This is the first year the ban has been implemented at the iconic day race and in the decades prior to the ban, when picnics were allowed a variety of food vendors have always been present on course, often selling out of food on the day.

Related story: This Cup – No Picnic.

The full statement from the Club is as follows:

Scone Race Club Chief Executive Officer Heath Courtney said the club appreciates the frustration of some patrons regarding food at this year’s event.

“It’s a very difficult situation to be in for the club where a balance is required between the varying patron expectations, policy requirements and ensuring we have sufficient food operators to service the majority.

“The Club has definitely not hidden any changes away from patrons, advertising such alongside the tickets when released in January.

Mr Courtney said the club’s ability to attract quality food vendors to SRC’s event is seen as “pivotal” to the product it offers its valued patrons. Further, the Club does not directly profit from any of these food sales.

“Rightfully so, these same vendors are reluctant to attend events where outside food is permitted.

“We are thrilled to have so many quality food vendors at this year’s event including local favourites Hunter Belle Cheese, with many gluten-free options, vegetarian and vegan offerings also readily available.

Mr Courtney pointed out the Carnival is, each year, put on by the SRC and it’s valued partners at an enormous expense for the benefit of the Upper Hunter community, and the SRC prides itself on continually inheriting the rising costs associated with holding such an event.

“We understand the importance of affordability to our patrons, and an example of this is over the near-year history of the Carnival, we have not increased general admission pricing, improved public facilities and entertainment offerings,” Mr Courtney said.

Food offerings include:

• Asian
• Gourmet Sausages
• Oven fired pizzas
• Cheeses
• Kebabs
• Street food
• Coffee and sweets

The release concluded by stating:

“The Scone community has always supported the Cup Carnival event, we hope that this will continue and look forward to seeing many familiar faces at the course over the weekend,” Mr Courtney said.

Related stories:

• This Cup No Picnic – May 7, 2019.
• Vote: Reaction to Picnic Ban – May 9, 2019.
• Letter: Hide of Scone Race Club – May 30, 2019.