HORSHAM and District Racing Club hopes Wimmera racegoers will embrace a new format for the Horsham Cup.
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The 2014 event will be run on Friday next week as a curtain-raiser for Derby Day action at Flemington.
Manager Lisa Inkster said the club was required to move its cup meeting as it clashed with Seymour's.
"Because spring is the best time for local tourism, retail and attendance, the decision was made to return the cup day to a Friday, as it was many years ago," she said.
Racing will start about 1.30pm with the $50,000 Miller Contractors and Plant Hire Horsham Cup run at 5pm.
Mrs Inkster said it was not a twilight meeting.
"There seems to be a bit of a misconception out there that it will be a twilight meeting, but it's not," she said.
"There will however be another race after the cup, along with an exciting evening of activities we're hoping everyone will stick around for."
Horsham band Bull and Blocky will entertain the crowd. There will also be a big screen featuring all the live action from Moonee Valley night racing.
"We will have full on-course facilities, including food," Mrs Inkster said. "It's going to be a great afternoon and evening of entertainment." Mrs Inkster said marquee packages would be available until early next week.
The popular Horsham Chemmart Pharmacy fashions on the field competition will return, with a range of categories for women and men. There are more than $2500 in prizes up for grabs and heats will start after race two.
"We're also going to have the CUB clydesdales at the track," Mrs Inkster said.
"We're always privileged to be able to secure their attendance they're an icon that generates a lot of interest."
Mrs Inkster encouraged people to support the cup meeting.
"We appreciate that many people have to work, but it would be fantastic support to the club if they can attend in time for the cup at 5pm and then stay for the evening's entertainment," she said.
"Ultimately we are striving for council to gazette the public holiday on Horsham Cup day in years to come, rather than Melbourne Cup day, to ensure maximum support for a vital local business.
"Our vision is that a public holiday on Horsham Cup day would ensure the longevity not only of the racing club, but also Horsham trade and tourism. I believe the local economy is not being supported enough by the public holiday being on Melbourne Cup day."