By Melissa Blewitt

Get your frocks and best suits ready, it’s nearly time for the running of the 2021 Condobolin Picnic Races.

The event will be held on Saturday, 20 February, and will feature $35,000 in prizemoney plus trophies. A highlight of the day will be the $10,000 Inland Petroleum Condobolin Picnic Cup which will feature as part of a six race program.

A stellar line up is expected, with horses travelling from across the Central West and wider region to compete.

“There is much fun, laughter, and merriment at our races” Committee member, Paddy Ward said. “The Condobolin Picnic Races is a fantastic event, attracting racegoers from near and far, and after the year that was, the committee are excited for the day, hoping to see many locals and visitors attending.

“A new change for this year’s event is that tickets are to be purchased online at events.humantix.com. Entry is $20 (and includes a race book), under 18s are free and if you would like help purchasing your ticket, don’t hesitate to contact a committee member.”

If you feel like a flutter, bookmakers and TAB facilities will be available at the track.

There is a chance for one fortunate patron to win a $500 lucky race book cash prize. The winner of this great prize will be drawn after race five. Marquees are available to hire and there is a cash prize of $250 for the best decorated marquee.

The annual Fashions of the Field will surely see many fancy fascinators and dapper suits on display. With some wonderful prizes on offer, along with the ‘sash’, there will be four fashion titles up for grab, including Most Elegant Lady, Best Dressed Gentleman, Most Outstanding Millinery and the Best Dressed Country Couple.

Memberships can still be paid. It costs $40 per person, which includes a myriad of great inclusions such as gate entry (no need to purchase a ticket online), stubby cooler, and four complimentary drinks on race day, but don’t delay they must be paid by Friday, 12 February.

The post-race entertainment will be provided by Duble, a great singing duo comprising of Linda Pasquetti and Gavin Rossetto. Gates will be OPEN at 12pm. Full bar will be available (NO BYO) and food will be available all day. Smokin Croc will be catering at the event.

A courtesy bus will be running between the hours of 6pm and 10pm to take racegoers back to town.

To get into the spirit before the big day, there will be a CALCUTTA held on Friday, 19 February at the Race Track. The Calcutta will get underway from 6.30pm. This will be a BYO event with food available for purchase on the night. Renowned local racing identity Col Hodges, who recently celebrated 50 years of race calling, will be a special guest.

For more information on this COVID safe event email: condopicnics@hotmail.com, visit www.condopicnics.com, follow them on Facebook, or phone Joy on 0488 953 886.