Family and friends will be out in force at the Horsham Racing Centre on Sunday afternoon, celebrating the welcome return of a much-loved community event, The Weekly Advertiser Horsham Pacing Cup.
When Swedish national, now adopted Aussie horsewoman Kima Frenning reined her six-year-old gelding Buster Brady to victory in the 2019 edition of the Cup, no-one envisioned that it would be 728 days until the next, proud owner/trainer/driver would hoist a Weekly Advertiser trophy in triumph.
COVID-19 restrictions saw the cancellation of Cup Day 2020 and when racing eventually returned to Horsham, meetings were conducted as "participants only", so Sunday afternoon is only the second opportunity in the last 12 months for the locals be on-course.
Photo: The Weekly Advertiser editor Dean Lawson and Horsham club president Terry Lewis with the pacing cup. Picture: Paul Carracher, The Weekly Advertiser
"The recent Noel Smith Memorial Invitation Drivers Championship was a dress-rehearsal for managing the safe return of patrons to the spacious lawns and great facilities here at the track," Club President Terry Lewis said.
Cup Day will be a COVID-19 safe event, with the preferred option for individuals and small groups to register for free tickets at eventbrite.com (CLICK HERE for details).
While our world has undergone a shake-up since Frenning and Buster Brady saluted in 2019, thankfully there will still be plenty of the old favourites around on Sunday for the enjoyment of young and old.
"We are looking forward to the harness action, with free showbags for the first 50 youngsters through the gate, Lattanzio's pony trot racing, BYO permitted in limited quantities and popular, local duo Geoff Woodward-Daren Wardle playing live during the afternoon," Lewis said.
"Throw in the Lions Club BBQ, our $10 punter's club starting pool of $1000, betting voucher giveaways, the big screen, bookmaker Tom Hogan, West Side Bar & Lounge and the promise of ideal weather - we're set for super day."
Gates at the Horsham Racing Centre will open at noon to the sound of collection tins rattling in support of The Naked Farmer Ben Brooksby's nominated charity, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Mental Health Unit.
For assistance with pre-registration or further information contact Jo Cross on 0407 871206.