THE Race That Stops A Nation is almost here, and the crowds will be trackside at the Wangaratta Turf Club on Tuesday to take in the big race for the first time in five years.

Between COVID restrictions, track works and the ever-fickle weather gods, punters, fashionistas and the general public have been unable to enjoy Melbourne Cup Day at the local track since 2019.

Now, with the track looking a dream and a gorgeous 29 degree sunny day forecast, the party is ready to go.

Wangaratta Turf Club CEO Sean Barrett said he was looking forward to welcoming the crowds back tomorrow for the Ovens Ford Melbourne Cup Day Races after a long break.

“It’ll be five years since the last time we ran a Melbourne Cup Day, it has been a bit of a hiatus, but we’re looking forward to a cracking day and relaunching the event for the local community,” he said.

“We would’ve loved to have raced during that time, but we’ve had COVID, we had a washout (2022) and track works last year.

“It’ll be good to get back in the swing of it, get people here on Cup Day enjoying themselves and having a great day.”

Racegoers will spend Tuesday morning getting frocked up before the gates open to the public from 11am.

The turf club will have a free bus running to the track, with pick-ups from Town N Country Tavern, Gateway Hotel, Wangaratta RSL, W.J. Findlay Oval, Wangaratta High School, and West Side Tavern.

Mr Barrett said there’ll be a bit of everything to keep punters entertained throughout the day.

“We’ve got plenty of outdoor entertainment, plenty of extra seating and shady areas for general admission this year,” he said.

“We’ll have the big Pizzini Fashions on the Field program, face painting for the kids, Wicked Waffles, we’ve got an outdoor barbecue along with our normal canteen and public food offerings.

“Presales are going well, we’re booked out with our umbrella packages.

“There are still some availability in the Grand Oaks Room and the Party on the Hill package, so people can still access tickets for those two areas or purchase their general admission when they arrive at the gate or online beforehand.”

The sound of thundering hooves will commence from just after midday, with the first of a six-race card at the local track set for a 12.11pm jump, with the final race from 4pm.

Racing from Flemington will be broadcast throughout the day, with the Race That Stops A Nation from 3pm.

“It’s looking good, great conditions for coming to the races,” Mr Barrett said.

“The venue’s looking fantastic, the guys have done a great job getting everything ready for a bumper day on Tuesday."