Pre-eminent coterie group The Carltonians tonight round out what’s been an historic Golden Anniversary year, in celebrating the inaugural running of the “Carltonians 50th Anniversary Handicap” at Moonee Valley.
The 1600-metre handicap - Race 6 on the 8-race program - is scheduled for a 9.15pm start, with 12 runners vying for total prizemoney of $35,000.
Expect a healthy turnout of Carlton players, coaches and officials for the big night, with Carltonians President Vince Loccisano holding court.
“This is our last hurrah for the year. We had our big 50th anniversary in July, so I look at tonight as all about putting a big Blue ribbon around 2014,” Vince said.
“This year has been a year of celebration for The Carltonians, and we’ve really embraced the moment. The biggest thing to come out of it for us is that for the first time we've awarded Life Memberships, the criteria being a minimum 25 years service to the coterie."
As part of this evening’s festivities, five prizes will be drawn in the 2014 Carltonians Golden Anniversary Raffle, with first prize a brand new Hyundai i30 Trophy (total value $25,000) donated by The Carltonians’ Major Sponsor Essendon Hyundai.
“We’ll also be presenting the club with a cheque for $200,000 representing net proceeds through membership, sponsorship and fundraising,” Vince said.
As for Race 6, Vince has stuck his neck out and tipped Human League - sporting the No.4 of this year’s club Best and Fairest player Bryce Gibbs - to be first to greet the judge.
"Oh, and for what it's worth, for all my Italian friends out there, my ‘roughie' tip is Mio Dio, which means 'My God’,” said Vince. "It's No.6 in Race 6, which is Kade Simpson's guernsey number, and of course, Kade has been sponsored by The Carltonians for many years.
Carltonian Memberships for season 2015 will be available from Monday 1 December. Carltonians enjoy a host of match-day benefits in an exclusive dining room and a range of unique experiences with the team.
For more information, visit the Carltonians website - www.carltonians.com.au.
