More than $10,000 has been spent on the Carrathool race track since last year in a bid to get horses racing again.
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Locals, supporters of the races and sponsors donated money, time and equipment to help bring the race course up to speed for this years race day. Saturday March 4 will see a maximum of 60 horses take to the track for this years six race program.
Last year the horse racing was cancelled at the last minute due to track conditions but the committee were determined that wouldn’t be the case this year.
“The final inspection is today (Wednesday) so hopefully all goes well and we get the tick of approval,” Carrathool Jockey Club president Mick Armstrong said.
“The track is looking good apart from being dry and dusty but that’s Carrathool.
“We’ve spent a lot of time and resources on the track to get it right.”
Trainers travel from “far and wide” for the annual raceday.
“Hopefully they'll come back after last year,” Mr Armstrong said.
It won’t just be hooves hitting the track with the annual Jackaroo Dash and Jillaroo Sprint on again.
Last year about 1200 descended on the track, but Mr Armstrong believes numbers might be higher this year with good weather forecast.
There will be plenty of prizes on offer in the Fashions on the Field events.
Camping is available at the racecourse and around town and buses will be running from Griffith and Deniliquin.
The jockey club have been facilitating camping at the track for years and have dinner and breakfast available.
“There’s plenty of camping at the racecourse or you can go down to the river,” Mr Armstrong said.
“Don’t expect too much green grass when you get here but we’ve got plenty of shade.”
Grass in the camping area has been slashed but organisers are wary of the fire danger posed with patrons encouraged to sensible with cigarette butts.
Racegoers are able to move to the Carrathool pub when the bar at the racecourse closes at 8pm. The pub has entertainment until midnight.
“The pub gets a fair trade out of the day as well as jockey club,” Mr Armstrong said.
More information: carrathoolraces.com.au
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