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The grand opening of the new Riverina Paceway is expected to be one of the "biggest meetings ever" for Wagga according to Wagga Harness Racing Club chief executive Graeme White.
If numbers at the trial meetings are any indication of interest then thousands will flock to the track for the big day.
"We have people traveling from northern NSW, Queensland Victoria and all across the Riverina," Mr White said.
"Former Wagga trainer Les “Shorty” Edmonds” is making the long trip with his family from near Ballina in northern NSW. He is close to 90 and doesn't want to miss being part of history."
The day is gearing up to be a big one with a punters club ($10 ticket), heaps of giveaways and 10 races on the cards.
Giveaways include:
- Four children's bikes to be given away courtesy of Wagga Harness Racing Club (entry form available at the track)
- 200 ice creams will be given away to kids thanks to Trev's Tasty Treats
- Two $500 holiday vouchers are up for grabs in a Facebook competition. Like tag and share to win
- AFL package from GWS Giants - a signed football guernsey and AFL football (entry form available at the track)
- NRL package (entry form available at the track)
Gates open at 11am with the first race just at noon with racing expected to be faster than ever.
"We've already seen some incredibility fast times on this track," Mr White said.
"Currently the track record for short distance has a mile rate of 1.546.
"No doubt with the class of horse expected to compete on March 10 that record will be broken."
Prize money on the day is expected to draw in many quality horses with a minimum of $10,000 on offer for each of the 10 races.
"Harness Racing NSW contributed more than $30,000 additional prize money to this meeting and Wagga Harness Racing Club provided $15,000 additional prize money to ensure all races had the highest standard of prize money between $10,000 and $15,000," Mr White said.
The details
- $10 entry fee (pensioner rebate $5, under 16 free)
- Entrance on Cooramin Street (first entrance for cars, second entrance for floats and trucks)
- Some seating is available but chairs and picnic blankets are recommended
- Play on Wheels, jumping castle and face painting for the kids