With the weather set to be a pleasantly mild top of 32 degrees this Saturday, Moree Race Club is expecting racegoers to turn out in droves for the popular 2018 Moree Twilight Races.
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Arguably one of the biggest highlights on Moree’s social calendar, the annual Twilight Races always attracts a large crowd but this year Moree Races Club secretary Michelle Gobbert anticipates particularly high numbers.
Not only are more racegoers expected, but a total of 80 nominations have been received for the six-race program.
“The fact that it’s only going to be 31/32 degrees is favourable for racing and the crowd,” Ms Gobbert said.
“I don’t think [the temperature] has ever been that low.”
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Rain is predicted in the days leading up to the big event, however should clear by Saturday. Ms Gobbert said in the unlikely event that it’s too wet for the horses to race, the day itself will still go ahead.
A number of Moree trainers have entered nominations for this year’s Sky 2 TAB meeting.
Peter Sinclair has six horses in the running including Free Billy in the Benchmark 66 Handicap (1300 metres), Silver Art in the Benchmark 50 Handicap (1300 metres), Happens Nomore and Oh Why (NZ) in the Class 1 and Maiden Plate (1600 metres), Let Him Fly in the Maiden Handicap (950 metres) and Master Cramsie in the Maiden Plate (1300 metres).
Doug Fernando and Peter Blanch also have nominations in the Benchmark 50 Handicap. Beau in Chains will be racing from the Fernando stables, while Double Eagle is Blanch’s hope.
Acceptances will be announced on Thursday.
Gates open at 12pm with the marquees to begin entry at 1pm and the first race to start at 1.58pm.
The highly-competitive Fashions on the Field, sponsored by Bella Sante, will be judged following the final race of the day.
There are a total of $3,000 worth of amazing prizes to be won across the five categories – Lady, Young Lady, Gentleman, Couple and Fascinator.
From 6pm, Newcastle-based band Hurricane Fall will entertain racegoers well into the evening.
There will be a courtesy bus running to and from the course from 12.30pm with pick-ups at Gwydir Carapark, Dragon and Phoenix Motel, Victoria Hotel, Albert Motel, Moree Golf Club, Royal Hotel and Post Office Hotel.
Lock-outs will apply at the race course with no re-entries permitted after 8pm. Pass-outs will be available prior to that.
Racegoers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (ie a parent or guardian). A drink ticket system will be in place, with no cash bars.
Entry is $20 at the gate or online.
There are also still tickets available for the On the Rails marquee. Tickets are $125 which includes entry and race book, entry to the On the Rails trackside marquee with cocktail-style food and five complimentary drinks. There will also be live entertainment in the marquee throughout the afternoon.
Go to www.moreeraceclub.com.au or www.trybooking.com/447456 for general admission or On the Rails tickets.
For more information about the day, go to the Moree Race Club Facebook page.