Mane trackside event saddles up

THE bet365 Mildura Cup Carnival, one of the biggest days of the local racing calendar, will be back next weekend with eight live local races and more racing action on the big screens.

Mildura Racing Club manager Jamie Lanyon said both the Mildura Cup on Friday, and Trackside Family Day on Saturday will provide a lot of entertainment throughout the weekend.

“The Friday is a bit more of a corporate day with paid general admission entry, whereas Saturday the only cost is a gold coin donation which will be going towards the Mildura Base Public Hospital Foundation,” he said.

“With school holidays on we’ve got a lot of free activities for kids including face painting, jumping castles, and pony rides, so parents can bring them along and have a bit of fun.”

Fashions on the Field is also set to be the highlight of the meeting again this year with more than $4000 in prizes throughout four categories open for entrants 18 years and older.

The best-dressed will be judged on traditional racewear fashion for Lady of the Day, more current racewear looks for Most Fashionable Lady, the best accompanying headwear for Millinery Award, and the Most Fashionable Men.

Those interested in entering the Fashions on the Field are encouraged to register early at the race day office, with the judging set to take place following race three on Friday.

Mr Lanyon said the racing carnival was always a good opportunity to showcase Mildura on both a Victoria and Australia-wide scale.

“A lot of people come from out of town with their horses, the atmosphere is always great and it’s nice to just relax and enjoy some quality country racing,” he said.

The bet365 Mildura Cup Carnival will be held on Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19, with gates open from 11.30am.