THE Leeton Jockey Club's hard work and foresight has been recognised with an extra race meeting added to their calendar for 2021.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The club host a six-week race program on Saturday at the Leeton Jockey Club in lieu of the Carrathool Races, which were cancelled last month.
The event is open to spectators, who are encouraged to dress up for the occasion, however there will be no fashions on the field.
Leeton Jockey Club president Grant Fitzsimon said the organisation had been working hard in recent years not only to upgrade facilities and keep the track in tip-top shape, but to be prepared for a situation like this one.
"Obviously the Carrathool Races decided not to go ahead because of COVID and that's disappointing for them ... we were asked if we thought we could step in so a meeting could be transferred and still go ahead," he said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"Because of how we have everything set up now and the foresight of the committee, we can be ready to hold these race meetings when they happen, so it was good we were able to say yes.
"It's a bit of a reputation we are building and Racing NSW recognises that. It should be a really good day of racing for everyone to enjoy."
All of the typical COVIDsafe measures will be in place, including checking in to the venue.
Gates will open on Saturday at 11.30am. No alcohol is permitted to be brought through the gates, but a bar will be operating. Residents are able to bring their own food should they choose to set up a picnic style area to catch all the action.
Fitzsimon was also hoping to have some form of entertainment on the day, but this will finish once the final race is held.
"The quality of the racing will also be good on the day, so we're hoping to have something everyone will be interested in," he said.
"We haven't really been able to go out and get dressed up much, so this is a good opportunity to do that."
The club has also been given permission to change its usual May picnic races in 2021, and this will now be held on April 17.
"We've been trying to move it to earlier in the year for a while now, just to avoid some of the (inclement) weather you do get at that time of year,"Fitzsimon said.
"It's a pretty exciting time for the jockey club at the moment."