Race Ready

MORE than a thousand people are expected at the Ararat Racecourse on Sunday for the regions premiere racing event.

The annual Ararat Gold Cup has been 12 months in the planning and club officials say a great day or racing and fun is assured.

Ararat Turf Club President Adam Atchison said with a fine, partly cloudy day forecast, there will be plenty of shaded areas for punters and their families.

“A lot of people’s concerns out here is shade. All the kids activities will be here under the pine trees, plus we will have public umbrellas,” he said.

“You’ve also got the grandstand that is air conditioned although it’s supposed to be 20 degrees on Sunday so I don’t know if it will be needed.”

Mr Atchison said there will be many activities for people of all ages.

“We will be doing fashion on the field, right through from juniors to ladies of the day.”

“We’ve got the Ararat Gold Cup as well as the Ararat Bowl which is the other feature race on the day.”

Mr Atchison said with the prize money coming to a total of $80,000, he expected a big crowd.

“We are hoping around 1200 people. Out of all the cup days in the Wimmera, this one has the biggest prize money.”

The Ararat Gold Cup will also feature food vans, face painting, a giant slide and face painting, a jumping castle, lawn games, noodle hobby horse making and a teen lounge.

“If people wake up Sunday morning and the suns out, I think it’ll bring a good crowd,” Mr Atchison said.

“Package sales has show the function room sold out, we’ve got a function in the grandstand package, and eleven umbrella packages. We are just about sold out which lends itself to being a good public day,” he said.

Track Manager Jade Kennedy said the Ararat course was looking a picture.

“At the moment it’s a good four, we’ve put lots of water on it so there should be plenty of cushion and be nice and lush by Sunday. The cooler weather helps,” Mr Kennedy said.

The Ararat Gold Cup is this Sunday the 10^th of November at the Ararat Racecourse. Gates open at 11am.