Excitement high for Ararat cup

A day of excitement and fun beckons for punters at the Ararat Gold Cup on Sunday.

Racegoers will be treated to live musical entertainment, featuring the band Pink Moon from Ballarat.

Children will also be entertained with free activities such as face painting, a jumping castle, a giant slide and costume brumby races.

Race packages are available from Ararat Turf Club, including trackside umbrella, mini marquee and party marquee options, with catering also available.

Ararat Turf Club manager Penny Penfold said preparations for the $70,000 race meeting had been going well.

“There are many volunteer hours that go into preparing for and staging a community event, and we are very fortunate to have a hands-on committee at Ararat Turf Club that assists in all areas of race day preparation,” she said

Mrs Penfold said a fashions on the field event would be a major off-track highlight.

She said $4000 of prizes would be awarded during the fashions contest, with categories including children’s sections.

The best dressed woman will receive $500 cash. Free shuttle buses will operate between the racecourse, Ararat Station and Ararat Town Hall during the day.

General admission tickets are $20 on the day for adults and $15 for pension card holders. Children under 17 are admitted free when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

If people purchase online before tomorrow, general admission tickets are available at a discounted early bird price of $15 per person.

For more information about Ararat Gold Cup Day, people can visit country.racing.com/ararat.