The race track has been mowed, the horses primed, the
equalisator is ready and the mercury is predicted to hit
29degC today during the 51st annual Glenorchy Races.
Up to 60 horses were expected to turn out for one of the most
competitive - and social - events on the Glenorchy calendar,
included among them one horse which, despite competing for
many years, is yet to win a race.
Drum Major, a 14-year-old purebred Clydesdale which stands at
18 hands high, was born in Clyde, but taken on by Dart
Stables 10 years ago.
A company spokeswoman said the horse, affectionately known as
''Drum'', was ''like a Rolls Royce to ride'' and, despite his
abysmal winning record, was undoubtedly a crowd favourite.
''He's not the speediest of horses, so he hasn't won
anything, [but] he does love to go out and meet all the
crowd.''
Ten races will be run during the event, including the double
banking race - Drum Major's specialty - at the Glenorchy
Recreation Grounds from 11am. Anyone with a horse could
register to race, the only rule being riders must wear a
helmet.
Races secretary/treasurer Anne Percy, of Glenorchy, said the
forecast for today was ''finally looking great''.
Despite heavy rain in the area earlier this week, the race
track ''should be quite safe now''.
''It's almost better than when it's too dry.
''We're hoping that people will be looking for something to
do, having [had] cabin fever.''
Mrs Percy said those who wanted to make a day of the
Glenorchy fundraiser - proceeds from the event are to be
allocated to a community group during the year - could set up
a free campsite around the race track. It was the only day of
the year camping was permitted at the site, she said.
Following the final race and prizegiving, live music from
Craig Adams and Cruise Control would keep race-goers
entertained into the evening.
''We had a band last year [at the recreation ground] for the
first time and it was so popular we decided to do it again,''
she said.
''We're having [them] on the ground and that will begin as
soon as the last race is over, which may be 5.30pm or 6pm ...
but we don't really run to a timetable.''
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