ONE of the biggest feature race days on the calendar is just around the corner, with the Wangaratta Turf Club ready to host their Winsec Savings and Loans Wangaratta Cup races this weekend.

A bumper eight race card and plenty of entertainment off the track is sure to keep attendees in good spirits across the day, with gates open from 11.30am on Saturday, 1 March.

Wangaratta Turf Club CEO Emma Merlo said a booming crowd was expected to come through the gates on Saturday.

“They’re looking very strong this year, numbers keep climbing,” she said.

“We’re nearly full in our Oaks Room which is really exciting, and our Party on the Hill package is shaping up to have a really cool party vibe.

“Traditionally, Wangaratta really gets behind the Melbourne Cup day we have out here, but this is our cup, this is definitely one of our strongest feature days, and we want to keep building that in the community so everyone knows it’s a great day in March as well as November and our Christmas races as well.”

Proceedings were kicked off earlier on Tuesday morning, with the club hosting Breakfast with the Stars, a chance for the public to have a look at some of the local horses vying for glory across the eight-race card.

Local trainers Craig Weeding, Andrew Dale, Dan McCarthy, Ben Brisbourne, and John and Chris Ledger will have plenty of entrants across the day’s racing, which is set to commence after 12.30pm on Saturday.

The club will also be holding a Calcutta on the evening of Friday, 28 February.

While the racing will be a drawcard for many, Merlo said there was plenty to enjoy even if you weren’t having a flutter.

“It’s just a nice vibe to be a part of, you don’t have to be a leading thoroughbred person, you can just come and enjoy the day, enjoy some entertainment,” she said.

“We’ve got lots of free kids’ entertainment and lots of music throughout the day, and also we’ve got a DJ after the last race for people to stay on and enjoy the rest of the evening.

“The family activities and free entertainment, there’s lots going on for kids here as well – we want to make sure we’re catering for everybody in the community.

“It’ll be a little bit toasty, 35 [degrees] will be a warm day but we’ve got OzMist supplying us with some misting fans which is great, and we’ll have some cool areas inside.”

Tickets and packages are available, with further information at country.racing.com/Wangaratta and the Wangaratta Turf Club’s Facebook page

“We’re just hoping Wangaratta gets out and enjoys a beautiful day, that’s what it’s all about,” Merlo said.

“We enjoy putting on big days like this, so we hope everyone can enjoy coming along and having a good time.”

The gates open for the Winsec Savings and Loans Wangaratta Cup races at 11.30am this Saturday, 1 March, with racing after 12.30pm.