A TICKET to the 2022 bet365 Apsley Cup might just see you in the presence of racing royalty.

A return to true country, crowds-and-all racing will be celebrated at Edenhope this June Long Weekend as the Apsley Racing Club prepares to party with the ponies.

With no crowds on course in 2021, club manager, Tammy Pretlove said Apsley was gearing up for a return to the traditional, massive day of racing and entertainment for singles, families and groups, with a variety of trackside activities and catering packages to add to the on-course excitement – and a special guest.

“Excitingly, three-times Melbourne Cup-winning jockey, Glen Boss, will be joining in the festivities of the day,” Ms Pretlove said.

“While he isn’t there in a ‘meet and greet’ capacity, when he isn’t tied up with his official business of the day he will certainly make himself available to meet the odd fan or two.

“He is also bringing with him two mates - 2005 premiership Sydney Swans player, Tadhg Kennelly and Australian rugby league player, Michael Crocker.

“The three will be bringing with them some memorabilia, which they are kindly donating to the club to auction off on the day. 

“We may even be lucky enough to witness a new career path for Glenn as he is likely to be the guest auctioneer for his items.”

Ms Pretlove said the committee had been working hard to ensure the grounds and track are up to scratch and we are excited for the upcoming race day.

“We’ve got free kids activities all day and as always, the event is fully-catered with a range of food stalls and the bar for all tastes and budgets and for those who prefer to find a place to park for the whole day,” she said.

New to cup day this year is the Winter Woolies Marquee, where $85 will put you close to the on-course action, as well as live music from Brenton Williams.

“Think a fun, relaxed cocktail-style set-up,” Ms Pretlove said.

“Your ticket includes admission, race book, complimentary drink and a shared grazing board. 

“The marquee will have heaters, so it’s going to be the ideal place to be if the weather isn’t in our favour. 

“It is also located close to the live music so a good excuse to dust of the dancing shoes and enjoy the day with new and old friends.”

Ms Pretlove said the club was looking forward to seeing a sea of country racing-inspired fashions trackside this year, once again generously sponsored by the Quality Wool.

“While we enjoy the flair of beautiful ensembles, high-end fashion creations and smart suits of metro race meetings for Spring Carnival, we love seeing fashions that match our country racing venue – a more relaxed dress code where sundresses and fun shirts with cleverly-matched (or contrasted) accessories are a must,” Ms Pretlove said.

“We want people to dress for a fun relaxed day at the country races.”

Fashions on the Field will be held in both adults and children’s sections and entries will be taken on-course, on the day.

For those attending for the ‘serious’ business of the day, an eight-event card is scheduled, culminating in the $50,000 bet365 Apsley Cup.

“Nominations for the cup don’t close until the Monday before the races,” Ms Pretlove said.

“Last year’s winner, Last Week, has had a change of trainers and not seen the track since September, so we don’t expect to see him in the cup, however you never know if he may appear elsewhere on the card.

“It would be great to see the winning jockey from the ride, Linda Meech, who hails from just up the road at Stawell, back on course.”

She said despite the low profile of last year’s event, the club’s sponsors had once again put their hands up to ensure a great day of country racing for all visitors.

“Once again, the club has received fantastic support from all of our sponsors, both for the racing events and the trackside entertainment and facilities and while I don’t want to try and name them all and risk missing someone, we thank them for their ongoing support – we could not do this without them!

“The track is looking fantastic thanks in part to the new watering system that was funded, in part, by the State Government, so we’re looking forward to a great day of racing.”

Full, on-course betting facilities will be available for those looking to test out their knowledge (or luck!) on the ponies, including a bookies’ ring and TAB office.

For those who value their licence, but also like to toast a win, a bus will be available from Casterton to the course and return.

“Don’t risk driving home after a few drinks, take advantage of one of the many buses we have available to get you there and home safely,” Ms Pretlove said.

“The Casterton bus will be leaving the bottom pub at 9.40am, making pick-ups at Penola and Langkoop; tickets are $20 per person and online bookings are essential – the bus price does not include admission.”

Gates open at 11am on Sunday, 12 June and all of your ticket, catering and free bus booking information can be found here.