THE Cootamundra Turf Club is gearing up for the annual running of its cup meeting on Sunday, September 30.
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The 2018 Cootamundra Cup is always held on the Sunday of the October long weekend, which this year crosses over months and starts in September.
Everything is falling into place for the committee with excellent weather forecast and the track in brilliant condition for racing and socialising.
Cootamundra Turf Club committee member Anna Mullins said a crowd of about 1000 people was expected to turn out, all dressed in their finery and keen for one of the big social events on the town’s calendar.
“Last year was unreal,” Anna said. “There was a lot of people because of the good weather.”
As with most country race clubs, there is a handful of hard-working committee members that keep an event like the Cootamundra Cup race meeting going.
“We have a small committee,” Anna said. “We all just do what needs doing.
“We only have the one race meeting every year. The picnic races are held in April, but it is a different committee.”
Gates open at 11.30am on race day. There will be eight races with the first to launch about 1pm.
The day’s feature race, the 2018 Cootamundra Cup, is worth $27,000.
The track is in great condition both visually and under foot, with stewards to provide a rating after they conduct their inspection.
On-course facilities will include a betting ring with bookmakers and a TAB van, and full catering and bar.
As well as general admission to the course, there will also be a VIP marquee for those really looking to make a day of it.
Ticketed entry to the marquee costs $120 per head and includes bar facilities and lunch. Tickets are available from the Central Hotel.
“People do love it; it’s a place where they can have a seat and a nice lunch,” Anna said. “But people also love to be out in the general public area.
“It’s just a great day for Cootamundra people and it should be beautiful weather this year.”
There’s no excuse for drinking and driving for those wanting to indulge. A courtesy bus will run every 30 minutes starting at 11.30am, leaving from the post office and Commonwealth Bank.
Fashion stakes high on cup day
ALWAYS a highlight of any major race day, the fashions on the field will again provide some hotly contested competition at the 2018 Cootamundra Cup.
This year there will be $3000 worth of prizes up for grabs for:
- Best-dressed lady: $500 Visa card, $250 gift voucher, sash, flowers
- Best-dressed lady runner-up: $250 Visa card, gift voucher, sash, flowers
- Best millinery: $300 Visa card, gift voucher, sash, flowers
- Best millinery runner-up: $100 Visa card, gift voucher
- Best-dressed gent: $250 Visa card, gift voucher, sash
- Young racegoer - female (age 13 to 18 years) - $50 Visa card, gift voucher
- Young racegoer - male (age 13 to 18 years) - $50 Visa card, gift voucher