Roger Booth pilots Scenic Scene to victory in the 2012 Seppelt Salinger Great Western Cup. This year, the Cup will be held on Australia Day with plenty of activities planned. Picture: PETER PICKERING
GREAT WESTERN - Great Western Race Club president, Michael Barry, has declared the track at Great Western 'the best' he and his staff have had it ahead of the Seppelt Salinger Great Western Cup.
"We've top dressed it and it has come up a treat," Mr Barry said.
"It's looking greener than usual and now we've just got to keep water up to it."
Preparations are in full swing ahead of the Cup, which will be held on Australia Day later this month.
Great Western Race Club received a boost in December with the Minister for Racing, Denis Napthine, announcing that the Victorian Government is providing $10,650 through the Raceday Attraction Program.
The Seppelt Salinger Great Western Cup falls on Saturday, January 26 and this year the Great Western Racing Club has chosen to celebrate Australia Day by having a wine and food extravaganza to complement the day.
This year for the first time, the first 100 children to walk through the entrance will receive a showbag.
There will be plenty on offer for racegoers both on and off the track.
Fashions on the Field is returning once again bigger and better than ever, with over $4000 worth of prizes up for grabs.
Men, women and children are encouraged to enter the event that has six categories: Lady of the Day, Gentleman of the Day, Hat of the Day, Best original Australian outfit (male or female), Best Dressed Girl (open to age 12) and Best Dressed Boy (open to age 12).
As part of Australia Day celebrations, celebrity chef and restaurateur Tobie Puttock will be in an attendance.
Tobie will be demonstrating his personally selected Australia Day menu and those interested in fine food and wine can join the chef from 11am and sample his menu matched to Seppelt wines.
People are advised to book online to ensure they don't miss out as numbers are strictly limited.
This year also sees the return of the Great Australia Day Boat Race, formerly known as the Regatta boat race.
The Great Australian Boat Race consists of 25 boats, five heats of five and a final.
To enter, it costs $100 per boat and boat teams must consist of mixed sex teams, for example, three females, one male or two and two or three males, one female.
There is a prize for best dressed and people can pick up their boats before the races.
Prize money will be distributed from the entry pool.
To register, download an entry form from www.countryracing.com.au/great-western-racing-club.html
Mr Barry is pleased with the interest that has been generated ahead of the Australia Day event.
"The marquees are rolling in. They're slightly up on this time last year," he said.
"We'll probably have more decide if they're coming at the last minute, if it's a nice weekend, but we're ahead of last year and looking forward to a big day."
There are hospitality packages available for ten or more people, with optional gourmet catering and beverage upgrades.
Racegoers interested in staying overnight are advised there will be free camping as well as shower and toilet facilities available.
For any enquiries regarding the Seppelt Salinger Great Western Cup, please contact the club via telephone 0401 639 858 or email wendy@greatwesternracingclub.com
