The 63rd Glenorchy Races are being held on Saturday, January 4, in the heart of the township, at its rugby field/golf club/cricket pitch.
Lakeside Rugby Club secretary Brylee Percy says GY’s usually resident population of about 400 will increase seven-fold for the event, with a heap of out-of-towners keen to saddle up and take part in the fun, while others will bask in the good vibes.
Percy says they’re sticking to the tried and tested schedule of previous years, with 25-odd races in the works, including the walk-trot-gallop, the trotting cup, galloping cup, quarter mile sprint and locals’ gallop.
MC’d once again by Queenstown’s ‘The Odd Couple’, Craig ‘Ferg’ Ferguson and Grant Stewart, also planned are the traditional lunchtime running races for kids and the highly-competitive adults’ tug-of-war.
Percy says the equaliser betting will return — punters blindly bet by purchasing a ticket with a letter on it, which corresponds to a horse’s number; their horse is revealed after the equaliser closes.
Entry for the event’s $20 per person — proceeds go to different Glenorchy community groups.
"At the moment there are a few projects going on around town, like the early childhood centre and pool upgrade, so it is likely they will see some of the cash."
Gates will open about 10.30am, with races continuing till about 5pm.
