Jumping the gun on celebrations for Christmas at the Races festival at the Wanganui Jockey Club on Saturday will not be tolerated.
Following a national trend, the club has tripled security for the Wanganui Cup race meeting where business houses traditionally treat staff and clients to yuletide festivities.
Party-goers intending to pre-load on alcohol before arriving on course will be turned away at the gate, while over-indulging visitors will be quickly sent packing.
Jockey Club operations manager Bret Field said rooms were fully booked, although the general public had been allocated the spacious Eulogy Lounge where live music from Darren Wallace, the popular Fashion in the Field competition, and large screens to watch races would offer plenty of entertainment.
"Under the nationwide Christmas at the Races brand, we are required to charge a gate fee and this year it will be $10," Mr Field said.