HOLDING today’s Wodonga Gold Cup on a public holiday may lead to a spike in numbers, according to Wodonga and District Turf Club general manager Tom O’Connor.
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The event is being held on a public holiday for the first time after a council decision in June, which Mr O’Connor hopes will be a boost for the event.
“It’s normally been on a regular Sunday at this time of year,” he said.
“That’s been a good day, it’s just that it’s been eating into family time and it’s a real battle to get people to the event.
“Having a dedicated local holiday and pushing it as a celebration for Wodonga has been a real winner for the club.”
Scroll down for more tips, opinion and reports on the Wodonga Cup.
Organisers were yesterday putting the final touches on the event and racecourse with gates to open at 11.30am today.
Prize money for the winner of the main race sits at $80,000 with about $220,000 in prize money across all eight races.
Mr O’Connor said about 2000 people had booked into marquees, with 4000 to 4500 expected through the gates.
“I think people will notice a totally different day to our regular race meetings,” he said.
“There are lots of different enclosed areas where people can go and enjoy a good day at the races.
“The event is a bit of an unknown as it’s the first to go on the holiday.
“But around town, there has been a real buzz.
“We hope this will be a real showpiece for Wodonga.”
Mr O’Connor said businesses and the Wodonga Chamber of Commerce had thrown support behind this year’s event.
About 100 staff will work at the racecourse with about 15 security staff to monitor crowd behaviour.
Mr O’Connor said despite concerns about falling numbers at regional race meets, key races in Wodonga were actually growing.
He said there would be activities for children with the last race to be held at 5.40pm.
Entry costs $20 for adults, $15 for concession and kids under 18 are free.