A two-day extravaganza of high class racing, fashion and fun, the meeting is firmly entrenched as a racing carnival not to be missed.

The mantra, as always, is “city class racing - country style” with the richest country meeting in Australia, boasting $2 million in prizemoney over two days.

Marquees will be packed, and  function areas full to capacity.

“The carnival is still very much a community-focused event,” Scone Race Club CEO Heath Courtney said.

“Residents are anticipated to again be squeezing into every corner of the facility to cheer home the Darley Scone Cup winner on the half day public holiday [Friday], with local businesses benefitting from the thousands of visitors to our region.”

The eight-event Darley Scone Cup Race Day on Friday will be followed by the Inglis Guineas/Emirates Park Dark Jewel Race Day on Saturday, May 13, attracting some of the best jockeys and horses in Australia vying for a share in $1.4million in prizemoney in various black type events.

Competition is fierce off the track as well with the prestigious Emirates Airline Fashions on the Field  a highlight over both race days. 

“This carnival is a huge credit to our loyal band of sponsors and dedicated committee for which the club and our stakeholders are very grateful,” Mr Courtney said.

“Without the local horse studs, sales company, feed companies and associated businesses’ significant involvement, this stand-alone meeting would not be possible.”

On the back of a tremendous sales season, the carnival also emphasises the importance of the Hunter Valley to both the breeding and racing industries, at national and international levels.

“This carnival is now attracting Australian and overseas attention with our stand-alone metropolitan status and the carnival’s association with some of the most renowned names in the international racing and breeding industries,” Mr Courtney said.

Buses will be available to take patrons to and from the racecourse from various locations. For details visit www.sconeraceclub.com.au.