2020 Santa Day Races welcomes punters to Horsham Racecourse

It will be the first racemeet to welcome patrons to the Horsham Racecourse since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Restrictions have eased to allow 1000 in attendance on Sunday.

Horsham Racing Club president Jason Merlo said it was a terrific result.

"It's shaping up really well," he said.

"The online selling is going great, and that's where we'd encourage people to buy if they are interested in attending."

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Mr Merlo said despite the easing restrictions, there were still several things organisers had to balance.

"There still are a lot of restrictions - no interactions with trainers and jockeys, we have to put up fences for strappers - so there's a bit to be done," he said.

"But at least we can get our owners on course and having the general public back is just great."

Mr Merlo said it was like having things "three quarters back to normal".

"It's about as normal as it's going to be this year - we've even got bookies back on course," he said.

"So we're absolutely pumped to welcome people back. Everyone can have a seat, have a drink, a bite to eat and just enjoy the day.

"It's looking at around 29 degrees and sunny which is great. We'll have a few umbrellas set up for pre-booking so we'd encourage people to do that and get involved."

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