Albury has raced on Australia’s biggest race day for the past two years with the club attracting a crowd of 3000 last year.

Albury chief executive John Miller said Melbourne Cup day had the potential to become its biggest meeting outside the Albury Gold Cup meet in March.

“We are just trying something different,” Miller said.

“We had those Groovin’ the Moo concerts a few years back at the racecourse that worked well with an outside promoter running those.

“It just seemed an ideal day to try and add to the oncourse entertainment on the day.

“I think more and more people are becoming interested in Melbourne Cup day and enjoy the social side of the day.

“It great now that at the Albury Racing Club you will be able to come out, enjoy the local races, the big screen for all the action from Flemington, entertainment in the beer garden during the day and now Evermore playing on the front lawn from about 4.30pm.”

Racecourse admission is $20 which includes the Evermore concert.

Miller said the club was keen to cater for all generations but was also mindful of attracting young race-goers.

“Unlike the Albury Gold Cup where we have tried to improve the racing, Melbourne Cup day is about the atmosphere,” he said.

“We have to try and market to the younger crowd. Get them enjoying a day at the track and hopefully they will come back again.”

Gates will open at 10am with the first race at Flemington set down for 10.20am.

The club is also offering several hospitality packages with three local races to be run before the Melbourne Cup with the final two local races to be held after the Cup.

Miller was hopeful of building on the crowd of the past two years.

“We are not getting over ambitious,” he said

“If we can get a similar crowd to the last two years and build on that with another 500 or more it would be great.”