Fashion will be key on Sunday when an expected 3000 people turn out for the Country Championships at Tyers Park.
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Bathurst Thoroughbred Racing will be launching the championships at its third annual Legends Day. It will be Bathurst’s richest race day ever.
This is the first year of the Country Championships, with Bathurst honoured to be selected to host the first heats.
A series of qualifying events will be held at seven country venues – Bathurst, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Grafton, Goulburn and Dubbo – with the first two horses in each $100,000 1400-metre race qualifying for the $300,000 final.
The Championships are an innovation in thoroughbred racing following a revamp of the Sydney Autumn carnival.
General manager of Bathurst Thoroughbred Racing Michelle Tarpenning said the Fashions on the Field will play an important role in Sunday’s event.
Glamorous racing celebrity Francesca Cumani will no doubt set the bar.
Another special guest Lynzey, from My Kitchen Rules, will join Lithgow mayor Maree Statham as one of the judges of Fashions on the Field.
“There will be men’s and women’s judging and there will be some really great prizes,” Ms Tarpenning said.
“I love seeing everyone all dressed up for a race meeting.”
Ms Tarpenning said preparations for the big race day are going well.
The track is in great condition, and everyone is working hard to get the grounds in tip top shape.
“The trainers are very excited,” Ms Tarpenning said.
“There are three trainers from Bathurst who are hoping to get a run in the big race.”
Ms Tarpenning said when nominations close at 11am today, at least 50 nominations will have been received.
However, with only 14 barriers, competition for selection is fierce.
“It’s very exciting to have three local horses as good contenders,” Ms Tarpenning said.
One of the highlight’s of Sunday’s race meeting will be a free gourmet barbecue.
Popular My Kitchen Rules contestants, former Texas cowboy Robert and daughter Lynzey, will be sharing barbecuing tips.
The Bathurst round of The Championships will recognise many locals and past greats on the day such as Tulloch, Rising Prince, The Barb and Gold Circle.
The local program includes the $25,000 Sky Legends of Racing Bathurst Cup (1800m) and the $18,000 The Barb, run over a gruelling 3000-metre journey.
