‘‘I’m excited!’’ Bendigo Jockey Club president Brendan Drechsler said in launching the carnival.

‘‘I’m excited about what’s going to happen over this six or seven weeks here at the Bendigo Jockey Club.’’ Celebrations will start on Saturday, September 6, with the inaugural Bendigo Horse of the Year Awards Dinner.

Awards will be presented to horse of the year, as well as the two-year-old, three-year-old, sprinter, middle distance and stayer of the year.

‘‘A rather significant thing on the night is we are going to feature one of Bendigo’s great families, the Rawiller family, they are going to be our special guests.’’

The Girls’ Day Out - Golden Mile Race Day is scheduled for Sunday, September 7.

‘‘The Golden Mile is worth $100,000,’’ Mr Drechsler said.

‘‘That’s something we’re very proud of here in Bendigo, it’s fantastic prize money and I believe we lead the way in provincial Victoria in the prize money in the returns we give to owners.’’ The popular Beach Party Race Day will be run on Saturday, October 18, before the Bendigo Cup on November 12.

Bendigo born and bred, Brad Rawiller will be the face of the latter event.

The 29-year-old’s stunning career started here in Bendigo.

‘‘I was born and raised right on the course here, it was my grounding.

‘‘As a four-year-old I remember getting driven on the sulky to kinder by Dad.’’ Brad won more races last season than any other jockey in Australia.

The BJC also launched two television commercials to promote the Cup.

Titled ‘‘Your city, your race’’ the ads feature Brad Rawiller and veteran Bendigo trainer Bob Grieve, who trained Fearless Sophie to finish second in the Bendigo Cup in 2002, talking about their Bendigo Cup memories.

Another exciting spring carnival event is set for October 29.

‘‘The Bendigo Jockey Club will host the Melbourne Cup (the trophy) and the Melbourne Cup tour,’’ Mr Drechsler said.

‘‘Bendigo is one of the few stops in Victoria and we are arranging a family fun day for the afternoon along with a charity dinner at Silks in the evening.’’

For more information on any events visit www.bendigojc.com.au or phone 5448 4209.