Bendigo Jockey Club’s Ian Hart said the track was in peak condition and he was looking forward to a fun-filled day.

“We’re just putting another 3mm of irrigation on it, which will take it up to 67mm for the week,” Mr Hart said yesterday. “So we’ve got it close to its very, very best.”

Gates open at 10am and the first race will be at noon.

Mr Hart promised something for the whole family.

“We think we’ve set up the course well so that everyone can find somewhere shady to sit, have a good view of the track and be close to the bars,” he said.

“This is only our second year.

“Last year we had just under 4000, so we’d be delighted if we had somewhere close to 5000 this year.”

The Golden Mile Fashions on the Field will be a highlight of the day.

There are more than $9000 of prizes up for grabs, including accommodation, gift vouchers and a Catanach Jewellers sterling silver necklace made especially for the event.

The categories will be judged by Jess Pawsey from The Styling Bird, Danica Erard from Danica Erard Millinery and Tony Cavanaugh of Tolley Menswear.

The competition is free to enter and open to anyone over 16 years. Registration opens at 11am on the day and closes at 1pm. 

A fashion parade by The Styling Bird will be held at 1.10pm and Fashions on the Field starts at 1.30pm.

The day will also feature cooking demonstrations by Bendigo chef Simon Lock.

The Borchelli Ristorante owner has extensive experience in food demonstrations, having hosted the annual National Homemaker shows and the Bendigo Fiesta. 

He will present two cooking demonstrations today, cooking herbed crepes and marinara, which both cost less than $2.50 a serve. 

The cooking demonstrations will be held between races at 12.45pm and 2.45pm. 

For more information about the day, visit www.countryracing.com.au/bendigo-jockey-club.html

For a raceway preview and tips on how to find a winner, turn to Sport – Pages 69-71.