For a day of first-rate race action, stellar fashions and a chance to reunite with old mates be sure to highlight Saturday, June 30, and make a beeline for the Alpha Community Cup race day.
Alpha Jockey Club secretary Anna Appleton said the race day has continued to grow in stature since the first meeting was held in 2013.
“We have a strong base of people mainly from within the Central Highlands region who return each year, and they enjoy it so much that each year they bring increasingly larger circles of friends with them.
“The day provides a top opportunity for current and ex Central Highlands community members to reunite for a great day on and off the track.”
“We had more than 2000 guests turn-out for the 2017 races, and we’ll be hoping to equal or exceed that this year.”
Gates to the Club will open at 11am with the racing, fashions, entertainment and good times to continue on until midnight.
Ms Appleton said the Club said the meeting is always well supported by a high standard of horses and jockeys, who’re enticed by the $72,500 in total prize money plus QTIS bonuses over the six race program.
“Of course, the one every jockey wants to win is the $20,000, Alpha Community Cup Open Handicap 1700m.”
Off the track, the ever-popular HHH Partners Fashions on the Field competition is set to attract another big field, which Fashions on the Field coordinator Juliet McConochie saying more than 200 hopefuls entered in 2017.
Categories for 2018 will include Under-10 Years Boys and Girls, Under-17 Years Boy and Girls, 18 to 25 Years Young Entrants, Man and Lady of the Track, Fanciest Footwear, The Millinery Award, and most Stylish Couple.
“After being hailed as a success last year, another fashion extravaganza will take place between races three and four, with all entrants to parade in front of the race day guests and the judges, who’ll then announce the winners from each category,” Ms McConochie said.
“All of our judges are new this year, which is something we strive for each year, so fresh ideas and trends are highlighted.
“They all have a background in racing fashions, either by having judged previously at large race meetings or having entered and had success themselves.
“We’re very lucky to attract the judges we have this year, Alpha is getting a bit of a name for its racing fashions, which is fantastic.
“It’s great to be so well supported by our sponsors, as the total prize pool has increased to more than $12,000 this year,” she said.
Ms McConochie’s Fashions tip for entrants is to “arrive early, dress to the criteria (check the Alpha jockey Club Facebook page) and don’t forget your smile”.
Ms Appleton said the young one’s will be kept entertained through the afternoon as they can get their faces painted and then bounce around on the jumping castles to their heart’s content.
“We’ll also have live entertainment, with Bareback sure to keep the atmosphere lively as they play well into the night.”
To kickstart the celebrations a calcutta will be held on the Friday night prior to the races at the Alpha Golf Club, and to get people back on track after a Saturday’s big day out a Sunday Recovery Breakfast will be on offer.
Free camping facilities will be available on the Club grounds for those wanting to make a night of it, and a courtesy bus will be running back and forth into the night.
“I’d like to say thank you to all our sponsors for their generosity and support in what has been another tough dry year, without them this day wouldn’t be possible.”
For further details please contact Anna Appleton on 0408 719 760/alphajockeyclub@gmail.com, and Juliet McConochie at alpharaces.fashions@gmail.com
