The Glen Innes Jockey Club expects a crowd of up to 2000 for Saturday's annual race meet.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Volunteers have spent months working towards the races and the track is looking picture perfect for the big event.
Organisers have their fingers crossed for a fine, sunny day according to Glen Innes Jockey Club secretary Leonie Moffitt.
And they might get their wish, with the forecast at this stage for a hot day – up to 33 degrees Celsius, but with the possibility of a storm.
The program includes six races with prize money of $66,000 plus trophies.
This year the club is supporting the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and donations will be collected on the day.
“There's a red and yellow theme to tie in with this - including prize for best dressed in yellow and red in the fashions on the field competition,” Miss Moffitt said.
The races couldn’t be held each year without a huge volunteer effort.
“It’s all hands on deck in the week leading up to and on the day of the races,” she said.
So far there has been an excellent response from horse trainers, with 108 nominated for the six-race program.
“There are 31 nominations for one race, but we can only field 14,” Miss Moffitt said.
“There are 17 horses nominated for the cup.”
Final acceptances won’t be known until this afternoon.
There’s sure to be lots of support for local Jockey Jodi Worley to cheer her on to what could be her third consecutive Glen Innes Cup victory. She won last year aboard Carry Me Gee Gee and in 2015 on Miss Caitlyn - both horses trained by Glen Innes-based Paddy Cunningham.
Miss Moffitt said race sponsors go into a draw for the naming rights to the cup race and this year, Hec's Small Engine Klinic was the winner.
“He won the naming rights,” Miss Moffitt said. “He is a great local small business owner who has always supported us and this year was his year.
“We have around 60 sponsors for the races which is great.
“We are overwhelmed with the support we get, but not surprised because that's what Glen Innes is like.”
The Glen Innes Races is an official TAB meeting that will be broadcast across sports channels.
“The committee hopes everyone will drink and gamble responsibly and have an excellent day out,” Miss Moffit said.
It should be a great family day, with a jumping castle and face painting for the children.
After the race program there will be live entertainment, with the bar and canteen operating throughout the day and evening. The Quota Club will host the canteen, with the Strawberry Patch offering berry treats.