Longtime organiser Bruce Douglas has handed over the organisational reins to Mt Earnslaw Station lessee Cameron Craigie, who has been juggling the role with planning for his 40th birthday party, held last night for 150 guests in the station’s woolshed.
Mr Craigie said he was next in line for the job after serving as vice-president of the Lakeside Rugby Club — the race meeting’s hosts — for the past year.
With a fine day forecast, he was expecting a crowd of about 3000 people, and 50-odd horses and riders, to turn up at the township’s recreation ground tomorrow.
The flag would fall at 11am on the first of 10 diverse races, including the ladies’ gallop, the quarter-mile sprint, the walk trot and gallop, the saddle race and, to finish off, the locals’ gallop.
There would also be a tug-of-war, lolly scramble and running races for children during the lunch break.
The track was in good condition and the recreation ground ‘‘looking sharp’’ after a couple of working bees.
Finishing touches, such as placing rubbish bins, portable toilets and the racetrack’s gates, would be applied today.
Mr Craigie said the race meeting was all about raising money for community causes.
Some of the funds from last year’s meeting had paid for an artificial cricket wicket now under construction at the recreation ground.
This year’s live act is The Crown Rangers, who will start their set about 7pm. Warming up for them will be Glenorchy band The Engines of Paradise.
As always, hundreds of racegoers will set up camp and stay overnight in their tents.
Glenorchy Races
When: Tomorrow, January 4
Time: First race begins at 11am
Entry: $20
Entertainment: The Crown Rangers
