Come on in: Crowds at Echuca Racing Club. Photo: Steve Huntley
Photo by
Steve Huntley
One of country racing’s biggest meets jumps tomorrow when the 2023 Moama Bowling Club Melbourne Cup Day at Echuca Race Club returns.
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While all eyes will be on Flemington for the race that stops a nation at 3pm, the action up north will be just as exciting for the potential crowd of 2500 to 3000 that flock to Echuca Racing Club on Tuesday, November 7.
Gates will open at 10.30am and the seven-race card will begin at 1pm with the Two Tarts Catering Handicap Highweight, while race two will be the marathon Road To The Jericho over 3200m.
With the track rated a good 4 and the temperature set to peak at 32°C, ERC president Craig Sutton said it’s all systems go.
“Everything’s looking fantastic,” Sutton said.
“Bookings are good, the weather is looking good, the fields are good. Everything’s coming together nicely.
“The track’s looking magic. Anthony (Pelly) always keeps the track beautiful, and it’s no exception for this week. It will race beautifully.
“It’s going to be family-friendly. There’s a lot of kids activities, just a nice relaxing way to spend Melbourne Cup Day.”
Charging to the line: Echuca Racing Club will run a seven-race card on Melbourne Cup day. Photo: Aidan Briggs
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
With COVID-19 and last year’s floods disrupting Cup day action over the past four years, Sutton said bookings had indicated a strong response from racegoers.
“It depends on how many decide to come in on the day, but I think it could be anywhere between 2500, 3000 there on the day, including participants,” he said.
“Our enclosures are nearly sold out, there’s only a few umbrellas left, but there’s always room for general admission. It’s sold really well.”
Complimentary shuttle services will run from 11am from pick-up points, including the Star Hotel, American Hotel, Caledonian Hotel, Moama Bowling Club and the Border Inn.
Off the track, Fashions on the Field returns with judging starting at 1pm, with entries taken up until 12.30pm at the information booth at ERC.
Kids’ activities include axe throwing, mechanical bulls, a super slide and basketball shot games.
On the track, the fields are set and trainers and jockeys alike will be hoping to claim a slice of Melbourne Cup day history at Echuca.
Trainer Rhys Archard leads the local hopes with five runners for the day, while Michael Newton and Gwenda Johnstone will boast two. Donna Gaskin rounds out the local trainers with runners with Sir Callahan.
Echuca-based jockey Rose Hammond will have three rides for the day and come in with some winning form at her back with a win at Wycheproof at the weekend.
8°C