Family fun at the races

One of the biggest events on the Rotorua racing calendar is coming up on Saturday.

One of the biggest events on the Rotorua racing calendar is taking place tomorrow - and poor weather in other parts of the country means it's likely to be bigger than normal.

Rotorua Race Club general manager Damien Radesic said an extra field was expected for this weekend's meet, meaning nine races instead of eight.

Mr Radesic said if the weather played its part he was expecting a good crowd.

"Plate Day is one of the premier days of racing. It's free to get in and a lot of fun for the whole family."

Mr Radesic said it was a good family day out with free entry, and people able to bring along a picnic and a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer.

For those just looking for a fun day out there would be plenty of entertainment for the kids, but he said there would also be some good action on the track.

"There is going to be some top quality horses because really it is the last chance to race before some of the big South Island races," he said.

"Last year's Plate Day was beautiful and the place was packed."

Mr Radesic said it was "very important" for people to support racing in Rotorua.

"We've got beautiful facilities, we need to use and patronise it. I'd love to see 2000 people but it comes down to the weather," he said.

"We've got sheets available to help novice betters out."

Gates open at 11.30am and the first race is at 12.28pm.