Dust off those fascinators, Griffith’s biggest race day is back for another year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The much-loved day is looking to be even bigger and better. This year will feature a six-race card and is set to be broadcast on Sky Two.
Jockey Club’s Renae Testoni said she’s excited to see everyone come out to enjoy the day.
“It’s shaping up to be another big one. We’ve already had lots of inquiries about social events,” she said.
“It's a great social event that only happens once a year. It really brings to community together and we find it’s so well supported. It's a fun, enjoyable day for families, university students or anyone who wants to come along.”
Fashions on the field will also be back for another year, with $7000 in prize money up for grabs.
“Over $7000 worth of prizes for fashions on the field. It’s becoming a bigger part of our day,” Ms Testoni said.
While this year won’t feature a celebrity judge, a new category is set to mix things up.
"Before with the lady of the day, it was open to everyone over 18. This year it's been divided up into two categories for 18 - 35 and 35 and over," Ms Testoni said.
Fashions on the field will be judged across different categories including:
- Lady of the day
- Junior racegoer
- Young racegoer
- Couple of the day
- Man of the day
- Classic lady of the day
The club ran successfully for many years before falling into recess again in 2004.
Griffith’s races continue its resurgence over the last few years. The races ran as a huge success for many years before trailing off in 2004.
After a new committee was organised in 2009 and the races were relaunched in at Narrandera for that year. The races have been held successfully at Dalton Park since 2010.
Last year, around 2500 people attended the big day.
Free buses are also on offer for racegoers.
”We’ll be having our buses dropping people off to the visitor’s centre this year, so there’s no excuse for people to drink and drive,” Ms Testoni said.
The complimentary buses will be departing from Griffith Visitor’s Centre from 11.15am to 1.30pm and departing Dalton Park from 4pm onward.
The Griffith Cup will take place on Saturday, September 8. Gates open at 11.30am.