BIG CROWDS SWARM TO CUP DAY RACES AWAY FROM FLEMINGTON

AS the nation stops to watch Australia’s most famous race on Tuesday, many people will be enjoying a relaxing day at a country race meeting in Victoria.

There are seven country meetings throughout Victoria patrons can attend – Echuca, Moe, Bairnsdale, Horsham, Mildura, Wangaratta and picnic racing at Mansfield.

For reigning joint Victorian Country Racing Club of the Year, Moe Racing Club, its Melbourne Cup day meeting promises to be a massive day following the loss of its washed out Moe Cup meeting three weeks earlier.

“Many of the packages booked in for our Cup meeting have been transferred across to Tuesday’s meeting, so we’re expecting great support from the local community,” Moe Racing Club Chief Executive Officer David McKinnon said.

On course there will be a big screen host, live music, free kids’ activities and competitive Fashions on the Field competitions.

Hosting the TAB race meeting is Echuca Racing Club, where pre-sold packages are up and the Club is anticipating a stellar crowd with fine weather forecast.

“This year we also did a Young Members marquee and pushed it through Facebook, which has accelerated our take up on young memberships greatly,” Club Manager Garry Armstrong said.

On course there will also be Fashions on the Field and kids’ entertainment.

At Bairnsdale family and friends enjoy a thorough day of racing, fun and fashion when the horses grace the turf on Tuesday.

“The Bairnsdale Racing Club has been conducting a race day event on Melbourne Cup for over 30 years and the day has grown to be the biggest party day in Gippsland,” Club Manager Lea Worseldine said.

Horsham is seeking to establish its race meeting as a must attend tradition within the community, as people relish the family-friendly environment.

“With the day being a public holiday it’s the perfect reason to get out of the house and come and enjoy a great day at the races,” Wimmera Racing Club Chief Executive Officer Sandy Horton said.

On course there will be Fashions on the Field, live music and a jumping castle to keep the kids’ entertained.

With marquee bookings at record levels it is anticipated that one of the biggest events on the Mildura social calendar, the Cup Day races, looks set to be even bigger this year.

“With the 'Young Guns marquee', former footballer Peter `Spida’ Everitt judging Fashions on the Field, live entertainment and top racing action, this is the place to be when the nation stops for the Melbourne Cup,” Club Manager Adam Kelly said.

There will be a courtesy bus leaving from Centro and stopping along Deakin Ave then onto the racecourse. With Fashions on the Field, the categories include the Harvey World Travel 'Most Fashionable Raceday Outfit', Millinery Award, Man To Man Menswear 'Gent of the Day', All About Me 'Couple of the Course' and Young Racegoer.

At Wangaratta patrons can enjoy the racing action from Flemington while relaxing in the spacious grounds of Wangaratta racecourse.

Otherwise you can celebrate Melbourne Cup Day in the high country at the Mansfield Picnic Cup, with the picturesque course situated just outside Mansfield town centre. There will be a six-race card, Fashions on the Field and local food and wine to sample.

For more information about country racing during the Spring Racing Carnival visit countryracing.com.au.