AWARD-wining Clare Valley winery Jim Barry Wines has signed a new five-year partnership agreement with the Clare Valley Racing Club.

The brand is now a major sponsor of the club and naming rights sponsor for the November meeting, the Jim Barry Clare Valley Cup.

This comes as the club is preparing for its autumn racing dates, to be held on Sunday, March 13, and Easter Saturday, April 16.

Club chairperson Don Williams said the partnership is a welcome collaboration.

“Jim Barry Wines has been involved with CVRC for close to 50 years of its 132-year history, and we proudly boast Jim Barry as a life member and the Barry family as long-term supporters,” he said.

“It is also a pleasure to work and gain the support of local businesses and brands in the region for our iconic race meets.

“We look forward to working with Jim Barry Wines and the family for the next five years and beyond.”

Jim Barry Wines proprietor Peter Barry said his family was proud to be affiliated with the club.

“My late father Jim had a great passion for horses, which has been woven into our family history,” he said.

“Dad was a horse racing enthusiast, breeding horses for the track, some of which ran at the Clare Racecourse.

“As a result, Jim was intrinsically linked to the industry, and as such, we have chosen to honour him by supporting this iconic country racing club.

“My family and I often look forward to attending the Clare Race Days, in particular the Easter Races, where we have shared many memories with our friends and family over the years.”

Jim Barry Wines will also be featured at the upcoming Clare Valley Family Day, in the Jim Barry Memorial Cup and the 1800m Handicap Race, on Sunday, March 13.

Tickets for the autumn race days are available at www.clareracingclub.com.au.

Gates open at 11.30am with racing to commence at 1pm.

Tickets must be pre booked and the meeting will also be card only for catering.

For more information, contact cvrc@bigpond.com.