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LEETON Jockey Club is ready to play host to one of the premier days on the Leeton social calendar.
Leeton Cup Race Day attracts hundreds of people to the jockey club track in Racecourse Road for a day of racing and fun.
Patrons will be dressed to the nines, one of the rare opportunities to go all out in the fashion stakes.
Leeton Jockey Club president Grant Fitzsimon encouraged everyone to take part.
“If you don’t come you’re going to miss on Leeton’s social day out,” he said.
“It gives people an opportunity to go to a race meeting. A lot of people don’t go to the races so this is a chance to support a very well run day.
“There’s the horses, but there’s a lot more entertainment during the day, like fashions on the field after the third race and music and entertainment after the last race.
“It’s a big day on the calendar.”
The meeting will feature six races, with the first to jump about 1.15pm.
Nominations closed on Monday at 11am, with final fields to be decided at 9.30am on Thursday.
Prize money is $6000 per race and the Leeton Cup is worth $7500.
“Hopefully we get full fields, we are hoping to attract good numbers of horses on the day,” Mr Fitzsimon said.
“The track is in magnificent condition, perfect racing order.”
Having upgraded infrastructure consistently over the past few years, the club has had to focus on required track upgrades in the past 12 months.
“We’ve had to spend a lot of money on the racing side of things in regards to the standards of Racing NSW,” Mr Fitzsimon said.
“We’ve raised the running rail to a minimum height and we’ve had to put in three new stewards towers.
“It’s close to probably $30,000 we’ve had to spend, but we got some assistance from Racing NSW.”
While it would be easy to become complacent after the success of a string of Leeton Cup meetings, if anything the jockey club is more organised for this year’s big day.
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“We’ve all got our own jobs to do, which spreads the workload out a bit,” Mr Fitzsimon said.
“You don’t have to organise as much because you know someone is going to get the job done. It is a lot easier now we have got the infrastructure organised, now everything is in place.
“Peter Clancy and his son Greg look after the track, they water it and mow it. Anthony Axtill and Bree Bourke look after the grounds.
“And the Jockey Club is appreciative of its local sponsors. There are a lot of smaller businesses in town that do help out.
The cystic fibrosis Great Escape Rally entrants will again man the gate this year, with the Yanco Amateur Swimming Club running the canteen.
Gates open at 11.30am on Saturday and entry is $15 and $5 for pensioners.
There is no BYO. Patrons may bring their own chairs and a picnic, but no alcohol is allowed through the gate and it will be policed by security.
Those aged between 18 and 25 will receive with wristbands when they pass through the gate as proof-of-age identification.
There is no after-party this year, but there will be continuing musical entertainment courtesy of Mark Smith and Matt Van Buuren at the jockey club grounds for patrons who want continue on into the evening.
On the front foot for fashions competition
ALWAYS a highlight of any major race day, the fashions on the field will again provide some hotly contested competition at this year’s Leeton Cup Race Day.
With a number of titles to be awarded, the judges will be on the lookout for outfits that best fit the criteria for an autumn race meeting.
Fashions on the field co-ordinator Rhonda McCormack said everyone should have a go at dressing up and entering the fashions competition, although there were rules that need to be followed.
“I would encourage participation; it’s fun, give it a go,” Mrs McCormack said.
“It’s for all ages and all people. Don’t be shy.
“Last year we were down in the men and teens (categories).”
Fashions on the field is a fun event, although it can also be taken seriously with a fair bit of competition for some titles.
The Leeton Cup Race Day fashions on the field is run as a winter racing competition.
“It’s important to follow the criteria,” Mrs McCormack said.
“They are there for a reason, you do have to follow the criteria.
“It is winter racing, not spring racing.”
Criteria
Most stylish couple:
- Complementary styling, including colour and co-ordination.
- Outfits suited to the autumn racing carnival.
- Ladies: hat/headwear must be of autumn/winter influence.
- Gents: outfits should include a suit or jacket and tie. Hat not essential.
Best dressed gent:
- Stylish suit with polished shoes, hat not essential, but must be felt based if worn.
- Accessories should include, binoculars, umbrella, hat, lapel flower, pocket handkerchief, racebook, etc.
Most elegant lady:
- Stylish skirt suit/dress (pants or pant suit not appropriate).
- Accessories to complement the outfit and each other, for example handbag, gloves, hosiery, etc.
- Hat/headwear essential and must be of autumn/winter influence.
- Hosiery and closed toe shoes/dress boots essential.
Best dressed miss (13 to 17 years):
- Stylish/fashionable skirt suit/dress, (pants or pant suit not appropriate).
- Accessories to complement the outfit and each other, for example handbag, gloves, hosiery, etc.
- Hat/headwear essential and must be of autumn/winter influence.
- Hosiery and closed toe shoes/dress boots essential.
Best dressed boy:
- Well groomed, clean, neat and tidy dress shirt and pants (suit/felt based hat not essential).
- Accessories include binoculars, umbrella, hat, etc.
- Age five to 12 years.
Best dressed girl:
- Stylish/fashionable skirt suit/dress (pants or pant suit not appropriate).
- Accessories to complement the outfit and each other.
- Hat/headwear essential and must be of autumn/winter influence.
- Hosiery essential
- Age five to 12 years.
Millinery award:
- Hat/headwear to make an overall statement while continuing to complement the outfit.
- Judges look for a well-groomed look with attention to detail.
- Style and design of overall outfit should demonstrate originality, be appropriate for the season and must be of autumn/winter influence.