GREAT Western Racing Club is anticipating a huge cup day, with record nominations for fields and the track in prime condition ahead of Sunday’s event.
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Club secretary, Michael Barry, is thrilled with the number of horses entered in the Seppelt Salinger Great Western Cup Day, with 19 nominated in the cup itself and some fields have exceeded 40 horses.
“It’s fantastic for us, we’re excited that nominations are at record levels – and it’s both local and city trainers coming up. To have those numbers is sensational,” he said.
Michael’s brother Carl is the club’s president and he is also pleased with how preparations were progressing, particularly the state of the Great Western track.
“The track’s good. We just had our senior regional track manager, John Jess, up yesterday and he said it’s looking the best as he’s ever seen,” Carl Barry said.
“We just have to keep the water up. It’s a good four now and we’re hoping to keep it that way until race morning and then we’ll see what happens.”
It has been a tough task for the club to keep the grass looking green and lush.
“Every year we normally get 25 millimetres of rain in the lead up to raceday but this time, we’ve only had 10 millimetres in the past couple of months,” Mr Barry said.
“It’s been a battle – we’ve also had to cease watering at times because of water shortages and those four days of 40 degree heat have made it a bit hard.”
Now, the club is looking ahead to the day itself. There will be a bus service running from Horsham, Ararat, Stawell and Halls Gap for a small charge, and there is plenty of camping available for those who wish to stay after the races.
The ever-popular Boat Regatta returns, with heats and finals held between races. This is an event where racegoers build their own ‘boat’ and run down the home straight, with plenty of prizes on offer.
Fashions on the Field is also featuring on the day, while there is a range of local food and wine on offer and there are shady areas available for those looking to beat the heat. Children are also catered for, with a bouncy castle, hula hoops and circus activities among the activities on offer.
Local band Plastered entertained the crowd last year and will be back on Sunday to be part of the post-race festivities.
The Seppelts marquee currently has limited spots available. Those wishing to purchase a ticket, please visit http://www.countryracing.com.au/great-western-racing-club.
General admission tickets can be purchased at the gate for $20.