GREAT Western Racing Club expects a huge crowd at the Seppelt Salinger Great Western Cup on Sunday.
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Club secretary Michael Barry was confident the meeting would attract large numbers this year, after crowd numbers hovered around 2000 people in previous years.
‘‘Camping numbers are up, we have more people here at the track than we’ve ever had,’’ he said.
‘‘We’re very excited about the races this year.
"For the first time we will be a TAB meeting, so the races will be shown on television.’’
Mr Barry said there were plenty of events for people to enjoy between the races.
‘‘We’ve got Emma Dean from Masterchef coming down to do food demonstrations at 11.30am and 2.45pm,’’ he said.
‘‘We had her here last year and she was very popular so we've got her back.’’
Mr Barry said the Tuckers Hill Quarry Famous Boat Race would be on again this year.
‘‘People can come and dress up and decorate their boats and go in the race,’’ he said.
‘‘We have heats and then a final because we have so many nominations.
‘‘Last year the race was won by a group of people who painted themselves blue and wore white clothes like the Smurfs.’’
Mr Barry said first prize for the regatta was $1000, second prize was $500 and third prize was $300.
There is also a prize of $500 for the best Australian-themed boat.
Mr Barry said the annual racing event would include fashions on the field and children’s activities.
He said there would be free showbags for the first 100 children through the gates.
‘‘We will have a band called Plastered playing between races six and seven and the regatta final will be between races five and six,’’ he said.
Mr Barry said there was free public transportation from Ararat, Stawell and Halls Gap to the racecourse.
He said people could book online at www.countryracing.com.au/seppelt-salinger-greatwestern-cup.html.
The fields for the race will be finalised on Thursday morning.