RELATED STORY: Historic Melbourne Cup on show
THE AMBASSADORS for the upcoming Swan Hill June Racing Carnival have been announced.
Courtney McClelland and Harry Coffey will represent the Swan Hill Jockey Club for the 2014 event.
Both Harry, 18, and Courtney, 25, are well known in the region. Courtney is a local accountant and Harry is rising to fame as an apprentice jockey.
They will each play different roles over the carnival weekend, with Harry combining his ambassador role, with riding commitments.
Courtney said she was excited about promoting the carnival, and the Swan Hill region.
She will be involved in hosting in marquees, greeting racegoers, assisting with the Fashions on the Field and feature race presentations, plus meeting special guests of the Swan Hill Jockey Club.
“I have always had a passion for racing,” she said.
“Each year I look forward to attending the June races.
“Swan Hill is renowned for having one of the best winter racing carnivals in the district and I am very excited to be a part of it.”
While Courtney will be active on the track side, Harry Coffey will promote the club from aboard his saddle.
Harry is one of the state’s most exciting young jockeys and currently leads the Racing Victoria apprentice premiership standings.
His feats are made all the more remarkable by the fact he suffers from cystic fibrosis — but he doesn’t let the condition get in the way of his passion for horse racing.
He is now in his third year of his riding apprenticeship and has well and truly proved himself as an up and coming rider, however, the modest young man is not one to boast.
Harry is also the face of Country Racing Victoria’s Hospital Helping Hand program, which raises money for Cystic Fibrosis Victoria.
The Swan Hill June Racing Carnival runs from Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 8.
