KERANG Turf Club members have spent the majority of this week preparing Alexandra Park for the organisation’s major horse racing meet.
A large crowd will be in attendance on Saturday afternoon for the running of the club’s most prestigious event – the cluBarham Kerang Cup.
On-course action is predicted to begin at 1.05pm, with the feature race scheduled to jump at 4.15pm.
“The Kerang Cup meet tends to attract a younger crowd than Boxing Day, with most families bringing their kids along,” turf club president, Scott Strachan said.
“Generally, the weather is nice and mild, and we tend to get people who are up in the area playing tennis or taking advantage of the extra long weekend.”
Strachan said there had been strong support from owners and trainers, with 261 nominations – including 31 for the cup.
There will be plenty to do off the track, with a live band to perform and the Fashions on the Field to be a major attraction.
The team from Kelly Sports will be on-site running games and an Easter egg hunt for children in attendance, with an Auskick clinic also planned.
In a coup for the club, former Collingwood player, Brodie Holland will be in attendance.
The 155-game player, who began his career with Fremantle, will assist with race selections in the punters club.
“It has been a while since we’ve had an AFL footballer come to the races,” Strachan said.
“One year there we had Brendan Fevola come up, but he came as a member of the crowd with some of his mates from Carlton who had played here before.”
The club is also seeking volunteers to assist with getting Alexandra Park in readiness for Saturday’s meet.
Working bees occurred on Monday and Wednesday night, with final touches to be made to the venue in the hours before the meet starts.
“People will be busy on Saturday morning setting up the bar and outdoor tables, so if anyone is free from 8am onwards, it would be great,” Strachan said.
