Dertilis is set to ride a number of horses on New Year’s Day on his home track, including the Longerenong-trained eight-year old Kayeema Jay.

“It’s a great meeting and I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

“I’ve got a soft spot for this horse, I’ve been placed on him on several occasions.

“It would be fantastic for the owner John Walker and a great New Year’s present if the horse wins.”

The horse is trained by Murtoa-Marma Racing Club director Majella Ballantine.

Mrs Ballantine said with a good mix of regional and metropolitan horses nominated, the stage was set for a great day of racing on a ‘fantastic’ volunteer-prepared track.

“This is a very popular day for families, with lots of children’s events and a band and usually some pretty good races,” she said.

“We usually get a pretty happy crowd – about 800 people – and we’re expecting the same this year, but it depends on the weather.

“This year it’s meant to be in the low 30s, so it’s a perfect day to go to the races.”

Murtoa-Marma Racing Club’s completed $36,000 upgrade will also be on show for the first time.

“The crowd will be pleased, there’s a brand new front fence and mounting enclosure. It’s a real showpiece,” Mrs Ballantine said.

The Marma Cup fields will be announced today at 11am.