DUNKELD’S picturesque racecourse will be buzzing with excitement when crowds return to the venue for the first time since 2019 at this year’s event later this month.

The COVID pandemic halted the running of the event in 2020 and 2021 and Mother Nature had the final say in 2022, as rain lashed the south-west, causing the event to be cancelled.

This year crowds will return, but the Dunkeld Racing Club has decided to cap the crowd at 10,000 attendees, as the committee is of the opinion that the venue cannot safely handle any additional crowds.

“The club has decided to put a cap on the numbers at 10,000,” Dunkeld Racing Club manager, Carl Hufer said.

“A few years ago, there were 11,000 people who attended and it was just too many for the venue to safely handle and for all to enjoy the day.

“People attend the meeting each year and want to be able to enjoy themselves, and this is the first time that patrons will be back on course since 2019 and we want them to really enjoy the experience.

The club is promoting the pre-sale of admission tickets as it doesn’t want to see patrons miss out and tickets are available on line on the web site.

Patrons have booked from all over Victoria and from interstate, with many using the event for a pre-Christmas get together and catch up with both families and friends.

“We encourage people wanting to attend to get online and purchase their tickets pretty quick, as we only have a few mini-marquees left and to the XXXX Enclosure still available, along with general admission tickets,” Hufer said.

“The track and the facilities are in great order, and we are lucky to have a hard-working committee and great volunteers who make sure that everything goes well each year.

“We have so much support from the local community organisations that make the day such a success, not only for the racing club but also the community groups and the town as well.”

The Dunkeld Cup is scheduled for November 18.