And, the popular event is already the talk of the town. 

“Everyone looks forward to the day each year,” Merriwa Race Club president David Alker said.

“It is definitely a feature social event for the district.

“There’s a lot of planning for it by racegoers, organising their outfits, and with friends coming to visit – the list goes on.”

With only a couple of brief interruptions, the sole meeting on the club’s racing calendar has entertained patrons, local and visiting, for almost 150 years.

Saturday’s fixture will be no exception either.

“I’m unsure exactly when the Merriwa Cup first raced but my grandfather was on the committee in the early 1920s,” Mr Alker said.

“I understand the race has run every year since its inception, except for a few years during the war and, of course, when wet weather has intervened.

“We are hopeful of a bumper crowd in the vicinity of a 1000 or so people to enjoy the atmosphere, especially as our day falls at the conclusion of the school holidays.”

The recent rains have rejuvenated the countryside and the hard-working volunteer committee is endeavouring to ensure a fabulous bush meeting experience.

“Merriwa’s a very active small country community with lots going on each year,” Mr Alker said.

“However, our annual race day is a premier event for the district.

“It’s a great opportunity for the community to get together, with our friends and those who travel in from other areas to join in the fun.

“Our local CWA and Merriwa Show volunteers are providing fresh home-made country cooking, bookmakers will field on the local and interstate races with Sky TV coverage, and bar facilities are available.

“Another feature of the afternoon is the hotly-contested Fashions on the Field for Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Gent, sponsored by Bradfield Cleary, which is conducted after the second race.

“In the time leading into the cup, a calcutta is conducted on the horses contesting the race, too.

“We extend a warm invitation to everyone to join us for some great fun and racing action.”

The five-race card offers arguably the best prizemoney for a non-TAB country cup in NSW, with $15,000 for the Merriwa Cup alone and $8000, each, for the other four races.

“This allows us to attract some of the best country jockeys, trainers and horses on the day,” Mr Alker said.

“They travel in from as far afield as Moree, Armidale, Newcastle, Dubbo and all points in between.”

Gate entry is $20 per person while children (under-16) are admitted free.

Cowan’s Bus Services will provide courtesy transport, leaving the Royal Hotel, Merriwa RSL Club and the Sportsman’s Club at noon and 12.30pm, returning patrons at 5.30pm and 6pm.

1.25pm: Benchmark 45 Handicap (1000m)

2.05pm: Maiden Handicap (1200m)

Fashions on the Field

2.40pm: Class 2 Handicap (1350m)

Calcutta

4.10pm: Morgans Stockbrokers Merriwa Cup (1350m)

4.50pm: Benchmark 60 Handicap (1800m)