To be held on Sunday, January 27, the Yea Racecourse will play host to six races, culminating in the highly-anticipated Rodwells Yea Cup over 2140m.
And with entertainment for children and adults alike, the race’s organisers are encouraging everyone to get involved in the day’s festivities.
Yea Racing Club president Denis Smith said there will be something for everyone.
‘‘We’re turning this year’s racing into a big family day,’’ he said.
‘‘There will be fashions on the field, in which there are 12 categories ranging from tots to adults. The other thing we have is a group called Kelly Sports, which is sponsored by Country Racing Victoria.
‘‘They have activities for children of all ages throughout the day, and kids will get a backpack full of goodies upon arrival.
‘‘There will be free pony rides and face painting, as well as a new attraction called Wild Action Zoo, where a chap called Chris Humphries is bringing in some native flora and fauna and puts on a show for the kids.’’
And for the adults in attendance, it won’t just be all about the action on the racetrack.
‘‘We will have TAB facilities on site and screens inside which will show races from around the country. We hope it will be one of the biggest races we’ve had,’’ Mr Smith said.
‘‘The curator of the track hopes to have it at a good four (track with some give in it) on the day.
‘‘We are likely to have the Goodwins entering from Seymour, they target this race, as does Gordon Strang from Seymour,’’ he said.
Strang’s horse It Could Be You won the 2018 Yea Cup.
Records exist showing that races have been held in Yea since before 1900.
As well as the TAB and television facilities, there will be food and drink available on site, with gates opening at 11am.
‘‘We’re expecting around the 2000 people mark, and with Yea having a population of 1200 it’s great to have 2000 people — it is a highlight of the year.
‘‘Tickets for pensioners are just $10, and for general admission $15,’’ Mr Smith said.
■For more information on the Yea Cup and to book tickets, find Yea Racing on Facebook, or go to yearacingclub.com and follow the prompts.