Racing, fashion at Apsley
The final touches are being put on preparations for Apsley Racing Club’s annual cup meeting on Sunday.
The day will feature nine races at Edenhope Racecourse, including the $40,000 feature race.
The meeting has traditionally enjoyed strong support from Wimmera district trainers, a trend that looks set to continue with Stawell’s Paul Jones nominating Stawell Gold Cup winner Barry the Baptist in the 2000-metre Apsley Cup.
Horsham’s Paul Preusker was also among the nominations with Bling Dynasty.
Nominations closed yesterday, with the fields to be finalised by tomorrow.
Club president Roger Pfitzner said everything was shaping up perfectly for the cup.
“Edenhope Race Club has done a magnificent job in preparing the track and we are very grateful for all the hard work they put in throughout the year to maintain the track and course facilities,” he said.
The action off the track should be just as hot as on it, with fashions on the field set to be another drawcard for patrons.
Fashions coordinator Brooke White said the main winner would
receive a $750 cash prize, with $250 for the best dressed local.
“The judges get to have their say on the winners, but we will draw people from the crowd to award prizes to the crowd favourites,” she said.
“We’re also thrilled that Quality Wool has come on board again to support wool fashion in this district where so much wool is produced.”
The winner of a best dressed wearing wool category will receive $500 from Quality Wool, with the runner-up collecting a prize package from Mini Jumbuk.
The club will also award $250 to the best dressed man and a prize for the best dressed girl and boy, with every junior who enters taking home a prize bag.
Also keeping children entertained will be a merry-go-round, large jumping castle and slide, and sports activities, all of which are free.
Club manager Lisa Inkster said the club had endeavored to offer something for children of all ages.
As of yesterday the weather was forecasted to be overcast, but Ms Inkster said there were plenty of options to protect racegoers from bad weather if the forecast changed.
She said patrons could have their own private marquee or make use of the Di Giorgio Queens Birthday Marquee, with finger food, live music, a private bar, a take home wine glass and two free drinks for $75.
Bus transport will help get racegoers safely to and from the racecourse, with pickup points at Mount Gambier, Casterton, Penola, Mundulla, Naracoorte, Apsley, Bordertown, Kaniva, Minimay, Hamilton, Horsham and Natimuk.
“We hope to see everyone at Edenhope for a full day of racing, great local food and wine and family fun,” Ms Inkster said.
“Gates open at 11am, but the full race program is yet to be confirmed. Stay tuned to Facebook for updates on the timing of races and the program of activities for the day.”
People can book tickets or search for more information by visiting website countryracing.com.au/apsley or calling Ms Inkster on 0427 989 212.