Frank Ryan Raceway will come alive on Monday night for Echuca’s annual New Year’s Day harness racing meeting.
The nine-race program is headlined by the running of the Echuca pacing and trotting cups.
The feature Moama Bowling Club Echuca Pacing Cup (2560m) has attracted a quality field, chasing the lion’s share of the $30,000 in prizemoney.
One early scratching that came through on Sunday was Im Blinging It for Naomi Kerr, who does have another runner in Jaxon Beach.
Champion reinsman Chris Alford has picked up the drive of Jaxon Beach, who is chasing a winning hat-trick after back-to-back wins at Mildura.
The powerful Andy and Kate Gath team combine for a leading chance in Magnetic Terror.
“Magnestic Terror has won his past two starts at Melton and will take some beating,” Echuca Harness Racing Club president Shane Gloury said.
Interest also centres around the performance of Our Vincent Can Gogh, who is looking to mark his step up to open class in winning fashion.
Our Vincent Can Gogh qualified for the Victoria Derby final and is prepared by Julie Douglas.
Jack Laugher will be in the sulky and said the chance to trail out stablemate John McLean in the running line would help his cause.
“John McLean has a bit of gate speed and it would be good to settle handy and not have to cart up those from back in the field,” Laugher told thetrots.com.au
The feature race is timed to jump at 8.56pm.
The $20,000 Arch Electrical Echuca Trotters Cup (2530m) has a 12-strong field.
Bitta Irish Luck, fresh from success in the Gunbower Trotters Cup, will need to overcome the inside draw on the second row.
Stawell Trotters Cup runner-up Double Felix has drawn well in three and could prove a tough nut to crack, especially if he gets away from the start without any hiccups.
Officials are hoping ideal conditions will draw a strong crowd this evening.
Gloury said the outstanding on-track action would be complemented by an array of features off-track.
“We’re looking to cater to the entire family, so there’s a heap of kids activities, including a jumping castle and water slide,” he said.
“We’ll have a live band — The Sensational 70s and 80s, who are from Melbourne — playing all the classics.
“They were here last year and proved a real hit with the crowd, so it’s great to have them back.
“There is also a variety of food trucks, there will be a barbecue running and additional bars as well.”
For the punters, a bookmaker and on-track TAB facilities are on offer, while the traditional punters club will be in action.
“We’ve got bookmaker Graham Adams, who is a terrific supporter of the club, and comes up to all of our meetings,” Gloury said.
“He’ll be kept busy and so too will be the TAB, while Darren Carroll is running the punters club again for us. You can purchase a spot for $10 a ticket.”
Admission is $10 for adults, with children admitted for free.
Gates open at 4.30pm, with the first race set to jump at 5.34pm.
Echuca Harness Racing Club is on Simmie St, Echuca.