Fun-filled Christmas races

GIDDY UP: Mascot race entrants Horse and rider Jock Strapper have their final workout for the big event at the Christmas at the Races Wanganui Cup meeting tomorrow. PHOTO/ BEVAN CONLEY

The Wanganui Jockey Club is poised to host its most fun-filled day of the season with the running of the Christmas at the Races meeting tomorrow.

While horse racing and the main Wanganui Cup event will take centre stage, the sideshows provide ample distraction to ensure there are no dull moments.

New Zealand Racing's Christmas at the Races theme throughout the country allows yuletide festivities to begin and many groups have taken the opportunity to use the meeting for traditional end-of-year functions.

There will be something for everyone, although a highlight will be the Shona Rubery Designs Fashion in the Field competition in the Eulogy Lounge.

A gold coin donation gives anyone entry, but registrations must be lodged by 1.30pm.

The categories include: Wanganui Furniture Zone Best Dressed Youth (under 16); Specsavers Best Hat/Headwear; Great NZ Gifts Best Dressed Group; Wilsons Hunting & Outdoors Best Dressed Male; Protege Hairdressing Best Dressed Female.

One of the most popular events is the annual Repco Mascot race featuring a few local characters including Wanganui rugby's Barrie the Butcher. The event this season has attracted a near capacity field of 15, including Santa himself, WJC's The Horse and jockey (aka Jock Strapper), current champ The Beer Baron, Judge Bogan from Moore Law, Darth Vader, Napoleon, Weeman the Outlaw, the Print Run Chronics and Badly-Bred from Mediaworks.

Live band Make Believe from Levin will entertain between races in front of the Wanganui Room. NZ First leader Winston Peters and his Manawatu MP Darroch Ball will be on-course.

Racing starts at 12.25pm with the last race at 5.13pm.