Racing SA has informed the Mindarie-Halidon Racing Club that they will cease racing at the Mindarie-Halidon Racecourse. The reason specified is that Racing SA "remains committed to implementing policy that is beneficial to the industry as a whole". This seems contradictory to different bodies of the Racing Industry who are fully supportive of racing continuing at the Mindarie-Halidon Racecourse. 

Ceasing racing at the Mindarie-Halidon Racecourse contradicts the Strategic Plan of Racing SA where they state that under their "Values and Brand Personality -Inclusive/Community" that "We encourage engagement/participation by all South Australians in our sport. We maintain our state wide, largely regional, footprint."

Many of the Patrons who support the Mindarie-Halidon Races over the years have come from the Mallee and Riverland regions. Stopping race meetings at Halidon will mean that these people will no longer support or enjoy horse racing as an experience. The Racing SA Board's decision has totally gone against their values and brand personality in being inclusive to country regions statewide. 

Mindarie-Halidon Races has been successfully operating for 107 years. Every year over 1000 people attend the races. It is the one of the only community clubs still operating within the East Murray area. The Mindarie-Halidon Race Cup Meeting is known for its carnival type atmosphere and is known as "The Melbourne Cup of the Mallee". Many people also camp before and after the races.

The importance of this event is huge for the Mallee and Riverland region. It attracts tourists to the adjourning towns, creates an opportunity for patrons to come along and enjoy themselves and is the only racecourse within these regions. 

The Mindarie-Halidon Races being run at Halidon is more than just a race meeting. It is part of the history of the community, it represents pride and community spirit of the district. Racing SA do not understand the implications of ceasing races at Halidon and the effects it will have on the community, especially since it is still strongly supported by the locals, different groups of the racing industry and visitors alike.

We ask everyone to sign the petition in support of keeping the Mindarie-Halidon Race Course as part of the Racing SA program. Let's stop another regional community event being closed down with such a rich history.