The Black Opal Stakes is Thoroughbred Park’s largest event of the year. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
The ACT Government has downplayed a social media post from the Territory’s Tourism Minister after a major sporting event was left off his post promoting what’s on this month.
Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Andrew Barr put up a graphic on his accounts spruiking several March events in Canberra – including the Enlighten Festival, the Canberra Comedy Festival and Wine Machine Canberra – but failed to include the Black Opal Stakes, which is marking its 50th anniversary this year.
Shadow Minister for Racing Mark Parton slammed the move, questioning why Mr Barr wouldn’t highlight the ACT’s largest racing carnival, which attracts thousands to the Territory.
“While publicly the Chief Minister has previously stated his Government is not trying to end horse racing in the ACT and would like the industry to become more self-sufficient, it is astounding he has decided not to include the Black Opal when promoting Canberra events during March,” Mr Parton said.
“It is clear the Chief Minister is beholden to the ACT Greens, and he has no interest in promoting Canberra events that do not suit his world view.”
Plenty on this March.#FestivalSeason#Canberra#CBR@VisitCanberra@EventsACT pic.twitter.com/Z7aiy2Z5Kl
— Andrew Barr MLA (@ABarrMLA) February 27, 2023
The Greens have previously not kept their opposition to horse racing in the capital a secret.
The party refused to back $40 million in government funding for the sector last year, while it has also previously petitioned to end public funding for the sport.
Also, a Melbourne Cup Day release of the draft District Strategies and the draft Territory Plan included an option for Thoroughbred Park to be developed without the racetrack.
The Black Opal Stakes and Canberra Cup are expected to host more than 12,000 people across the upcoming long weekend, which Mr Parton said would greatly benefit the economy.
“This year will see the 50th running of the Black Opal and is likely to bring many people to the ACT that will benefit hotels, restaurants and local businesses, but the Chief Minister does not think that is worth promoting,” he said.
“I think it is embarrassing that the Chief Minister has actively decided not to promote this important Canberra event and further highlights this Government is trying to end racing in the ACT.”
Mr Barr’s office has rebuffed the suggestion the omission of the horse-racing events from the social media post was intentional.
“The Chief Minister’s social media post is not an exhaustive list of events in March and did not purport to be so,” an ACT Government spokeswoman said.
“The racing carnival is highlighted in the ‘What’s On in March’ section in the printed edition of Our Canberra.”
Other sporting events in March were also left off the list, such as local Raiders and Brumbies football matches.
Canberra Racing Club chair Les Boag said this carnival was shaping up to be the largest since its inception, and invited the ACT Government to show its full support.
“Government have included us in the letterbox drop, which is appreciated, but hasn’t yet advised if they will support our request for social and CBR tourism promotion in the week leading into this very special celebration,” Mr Boag said.
“We wish to work well together with the Government to maximise the benefit to Canberra.”
Mr Boag said the carnival would showcase the best of the region and support many of the area’s artisan producers.
“Our partnership with the community is a bigger focus than ever before and we are excited to announce that Hall Markets will join us on our second event day – Canberra Cup Race Day – with a major focus on children’s entertainment to make this a really significant community event,” he said.
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