ALBURY Racing Club is gearing up for its inaugural Boxing day meeting.
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Last year was the first time there was no Boxing Day racing action on the Border after Wodonga and District Turf Club decided to scrap its long-running tradition.
Albury was unable to hold its traditional Melbourne Cup and Oaks day meeting this year with the track closed to undergo drainage works recommended by Racing NSW in the wake of the Gold Cup being abandoned in March.
However, Albury was granted two replacement meetings with the first on Boxing day.
The second replacement meeting is yet to be determined.
Chief executive officer, Steve Hetherton, said the club was encouraging patrons to attend the meeting in their favourite fancy dress costume.
Cricket fans will also be catered for with several big screens televising all the action from the second Test against New Zealand at the MCG.
"We'd love to see racegoers wearing fancy dress to the meeting similar to what happens at the Boxing Day Test," Hetherton said.
"It might be Richie Benaud, the Spice Girls, Mexican or Bananas in Pyjamas - whatever costume you fancy.
"If you can't get to the MCG for the cricket, come out to the races instead and enjoy the atmosphere.
"We will have a few big screens and lots of televisions around the venue showing the cricket as well as all the racing action."
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Popular Melbourne based DJ Andy Murray will also be performing from mid-afternoon until after the last race.
A pop-up Canadian Club Bar will provide a great addition to the day.
There will also be plenty of kids entertainment including several jumping castles.
Hetherton was unsure how big a crowd to expect.
"Hopefully we can get similar weather to the past two Saturday's," he said.
"We are encouraging younger patrons especially those returning home for the festive period to catch-up with friends at the races and start a new tradition.
"Wodonga always attracted big crowds on Boxing day.
"Now Albury has been given the opportunity, we are hoping both Albury and Wodonga residents support the meeting."
Nominations for the five race non-TAB meeting close on Thursday with weights released the following day.
Bookmakers and the on course tote will both operate at the meeting.
Hetherton said the club's two festive meetings over the past two Saturdays had been well supported.
Last Saturday's crowd of 1650 was more than 200 up on the previous week and both bigger than last year.
The club will also hold two more meeting on January 3 and February 4 before hosting the Country Championship qualifier on February 22.
The two-day Albury carnival will commence on March 19 with the Gold Cup the following day.
There is more than $770,000 in prizemoney, trophies and bonuses on offer over the two days with the Albury Gold Cup worth $200,000.