The major event for the Wodonga and District Turf Club is bolstered this year with one of the biggest bands in the country Birds of Tokyo closing out the day.

But organisers say despite the headline act, the main focus is on the races.

Sales and events manager Marcus Dowling said they are expecting "well over" 10,000 people.

"Birds of Tokyo was a major coup for the turf club and will definitely bring in a lot of people but our major draw card and focus is always the great racing event we put on," he said.

"This will be our biggest crowd yet and although we are expecting people to just come later in the day for the music a lot of people will be here all day enjoying our event.

"A lot of people have asked what time Birds of Tokyo start, but we are encouraging people to come for the day or at least a bit earlier to make sure it flows nicely."

Mr Dowling said 9500 race-goers enjoyed the 2018 event.

"We have seen the natural growth since we secured the public holiday," he said.

"This year will be bigger, in part by locking in Birds of Tokyo, but also because it is an event on everyone's calendars now.

"More and more people come out and enjoy the atmosphere, racing and event at the gold cup.

"Our race club is primarily set up as just that, a race club, but we want to bring people into the precinct and show people what people can offer not just from the racing side of things.

"And this year will be no different."

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The public holiday in the Wodonga council area aims to encourage locals to attend the event, but a focus is always on drawing people from other areas.

"We think Birds of Tokyo will definitely help draw those people in that might not have come otherwise," Mr Dowling said.

"And that is the great thing about a event like the gold cup, there is something for everyone and we really encourage people to come out and have a great day.

"There are shuttle buses running so people can come and have a drink and get home safely as well."

Mr Dowling said they have added more of everything for the event.

"There will be police on site as well as more security," he said.

"We are catering for more and more people each year so we have extra toilets on site as well as extra food and drink."

Mr Dowlings tips for enjoying the day include being prepared for the late November heat.

"I think it is expected to be around the mid 30s so make sure you are drinking plenty of water and keeping yourself hydrated in the heat," he said. "Get here early and have a good day out at the races."

Another major draw card is the Quest Wodonga Fashion's on the Field which will be running straight after the second race at 1.35pm.

Those entering the fashion competition are asked to be ready at 1.30pm.

The eight race event kicks off at 1pm with the McRae Motors Wodonga Gold Cup running at 3.55pm.

Birds of Tokyo will play for more than an hour from 6pm.

General admission tickets are $25 an can be purchased online at country.racing.com or at the gate.