Track Under Fire For R-Rated Event

What's a racetrack to do on nights when there is no live racing? One racetrack has come under fire after agreeing to host an adults-only R-rated fundraiser later this month.

Reports indicate the South Australian Harness Racing Club has come under criticism and been labelled “out of touch” and “tacky” after agreeing to host a gentlemen’s night fundraiser at Globe Derby Park on a night the track isn't hosting live racing.

Crowd gathered to watch the races at Globe Derby Park

According to the Adelaide Advertiser, Globe Derby Park will feature an evening with adult entertainment group Heavenly Distractions. The poster for the event, set for next Saturday (March 25) promotes topless waitresses, lap dances and three R-rated shows, including a “duo act.” The poster has since been removed from the track's Facebook page but is still visible on Heavenly Distractions' Facebook page.

A female harness racing participant, speaking anonymously, told The Advertiser she was disappointed that the track was promoting the event.

“You’d think they could find a better and more family-friendly event for the venue,” she said. “I know they’re really struggling financially and they’re working hard to try to make ends meet ... but this seems quite out of touch.

“It’s disappointing more than anything.”

The decision to host the event was purely driven by finances, according to SAHRC President Richard Miller. He positioned the racetrack as a "function venue" and merely sees it as a way to generate revenue on days when the track is dark.

“It’s a joint promotion. We’re just looking to use the venue on that night because there’s no racing," stated Miller. "Yeah, we do promote ourselves as a family-oriented club, but we’re also a business and we have to keep people coming through the doors. This is just another avenue for raising money."

Miller also noted that the track hosted a similar fundraising function geared toward a female audience in 2016 and received no complaints from that event.

“We had a ladies-only night ... and it was a roaring success and we had no complaints whatsoever.”