The 2019 Morgans Merriwa Cup returns on Saturday April 27 and Merriwa Race Club secretary Sue Bayliss says preparations are in full swing with some last minute tidying up of the race track being undertaken.

"The boys are up there tidying up the grounds and making sure everything's pretty schmick," she said.

"It's quite scenic at the course and there's not a bad little view of the Valley and the mountains.

"With the extra bit of rain the Upper Hunter has had recently, I've heard reports the grounds have picked up."

While there is a five-card race program, Fashions on the Field will feature largely on the day with the introduction of a new category.

"Racing commences a bit after 1pm and we have some Fashions on the Field prizes which will be conducted following the running of Race 2," Ms Bayliss added.

"This year we have expanded the categories for Fashions on the Field from Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Gent to include Under 18's.

"There will be The Best Dressed Filly Under 18 and Best Dressed Colt Under 18."

Ms Bayliss said in recent years they have seen an increase in young people attending the annual meeting which prompted organisers to include them in the competition.

"It's been a gradual transition over a period," she said.

Racegoers have the opportunity to socialise and enjoy the CWA cafe and bar facilities with Sky Channel televisions also providing coverage of other metropolitan TAB races on the day.

On the track, the prizemoney has increased from $15,000 last year to $17,000 for the feature race, the Morgans Stockbrokers Merriwa Cup run over 1350m.

For the other four races, prizemoney has increased from $8,000 to $10,000 each.

"We'd like to thank our sponsors Morgans, Merriwa Petroleum & Ag Supplies, Magic Millions and Widden for their support."

Cowans Bus Service's free courtesy vehicle will pick up racegoers from the Merriwa RSL Club, The Royal Hotel and the Merriwa Sports Club at noon and 12.30pm, returning from the racecourse at 5.30pm and 6pm.

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

The Merriwa Racecourse is located at Flaggs Road, Merriwa.

Gates open at 11am.

Morgans Merriwa Cup - 27 April 2019

Races on the day:

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 1800