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By Mark Brassel

Hawkesbury’s annual Saturday race meeting this week is a colourful and exciting event that provides top-class racing, superb hospitality and entertainment with an electric atmosphere across the course.

But the raceday also delivers an economic windfall for the extensive Hawkesbury region that boasts a rich history.

Hawkesbury Race Club's huge stand-alone meeting is this Saturday. Image by Bradley Photographers

Located just 60km from the Sydney CBD, Hawkesbury Racecourse’s biggest day of the year – offering nearly $2 million in prizemoney – benefits much of the vast local area.

No Metropolitan race meeting is scheduled for this day, thus allowing the spotlight to shine squarely on Hawkesbury.

“In terms of tourism, Hawkesbury is quite lucky to have a massive population to pull from of more than 70,000 along with Penrith (225,000), and we also draw crowds from Blacktown (435,000),” explained Hawkesbury Race Club’s CEO, James Heddo.

“This provides our club a massive ‘local’ base to draw crowds from and our onsite motel is always full at this time of year.

“Not to mention the local pubs and clubs that benefit greatly from the crowd dispersing after the races have finished.

"And being a raceday that has been granted ‘metropolitan status’ owners will travel distances from the country and city to attend the meeting.”

President of Hawkesbury City Chamber of Commerce, Gabby Benkovich said: “Promoting business in the Hawkesbury is what our Chamber is all about.

“It’s fantastic to see Hawkesbury’s stand-alone family race meeting go from strength to strength where locals and visitors come together to have a great time enjoying what our beautiful region has to offer.”

Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Sarah McMahon, said: "Hawkesbury Race Club brings people into the Hawkesbury and they can even stay a little longer at the local accommodation and visit our towns and villages where we have many welcoming and interesting businesses, restaurants and cafes.

"In fact, our Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre is just down the road from the Hawkesbury Race Club at 1/328 Hawkesbury Valley Way, Richmond NSW, opposite Richmond RAAF Base or see discoverthehawkesbury.com.au for ideas on exploring the Hawkesbury.

"On raceday, good luck to the jockeys, trainers, owners and punters alike but remember 'You win some. You lose more.'**"

Now in its 19th year after successfully commencing in 2006, Hawkesbury Cup Day’s stand-alone Saturday is a major success story and features many of Australia’s best trainers, jockeys and horses.

The massive 10-race program is highlighted by the $250,000 Group 3-Richmond Club Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m) – with the winner gaining eligibility for the $3m Big Dance at Royal Randwick in November.

There’s plenty of entertainment aside from the excellent racing action including live music with crowd favourites Furnace & The Fundamentals as they take to the main stage straight after the Hawkesbury Cup.

There is also the popular Fashions on the Field contest: “We encourage fashionistas to enter our Fashions on the Field competition by uploading their photos taken from our on-course “Fashion Chute” area with great prizes on offer,” said Mr Heddo.

“The digital format promotes inclusivity for all racegoers and encourages those to enter who normally wouldn’t want to jump on stage.”

Other on-course activations include a Gin Garden, 360 photo booth, fashion illustrator, food trucks as well as the TAB Mounting Yard with the mechanical horse.

“We have raceday packages to suit all budgets including all-inclusive food and beverage packages starting from $149 per person,” said Mr Heddo.

“Alternatively, the more casual Front Lawn Precinct offers reserved trackside seating in a prime position to enjoy the day’s festivities at just $55 per person which includes gate entry. All packages sold out last year so get in quick to secure a spot!”

Early shoppers can secure a 20% discount on General Admission tickets with early bird prices starting at just $20.

In another coup for Hawkesbury Race Club, Panthers has joined as a major sponsor and will host the inaugural Panthers/HRC Sports Luncheon Calcutta at Western Sydney Conference Centre on Friday 3 May.

“This luncheon will become a must attend event each year and is the perfect way to launch into Cup Day the next day,” said Heddo.

To book for Hawkesbury’s Cup Day or the Panthers/HRC Sports Luncheon Calcutta go to the website – hawkesburyraceclub.com.au

**For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au