SADDLE UP: Racing Orange chair Ellie Brown is excited about the upcoming racing season, just the club's second in charge of the thoroughbred industry in Orange.
IF the guest list for Racing Orange’s first big race meet of the new season is anything to go by, Towac Park will back bigger, better and flashier in 2012-13.
Renowned fashion expects Wayne Cooper and George from George Designs will be on course for September 30’s Saddle Up Sunday meeting, with the pair to crown the first Miss Racing Orange.
Miss Racing Orange will become the face of the racing in Orange for the season.
Racing Orange chairperson Ellie Brown believes it’s a big opportunity for all girls in Orange to “get dressed up and embrace the racing culture.”
“What we’re looking for is someone who is going to be the picture of what racing should be and she’ll be profiled at all race meetings and be an ambassador,” Ms Brown said.
“We’re looking for girls to come out, especially with Wayne and George coming because they’ll be choosing Miss Racing Orange.
“It’s a big coup for Racing Orange to be able to get celebrities of that status to come.”
Both fashion gurus will be donating a dress to the value of $500, while prizes up to $1000 will be on offer at the Sunday meeting.
On the course, Ms Brown was positive about the season ahead.
“I think we had a good starting season and we’ve certainly put a lot of infrastructure back into the track and we’ve got a really good name out in the racing industry,” she said.
“I think this year you’ll see a lot more quality fields coming out because we’re known as a very good track. It’s looking fantastic, better than ever.”
Ms Brown said the board was expecting up to 2000 people for the Saddle Up Sunday meeting.
The NSW Cup and the Toyota Cup grand finals will be shown on the big screen at the sportsman’s bar throughout the day, with racing expected to be finished in time for kick-off in the NRL decider at 5.30pm.
“We’d just like to encourage everyone to come,” she said.
In an overwhelming show of support for the new board, Racing NSW CEO Peter V’Landys and chairman John Messara will also be in attendance.
l Racing Orange has picked up a meeting this Friday after it was transferred from Bathurst. The meeting will be an eight race program.
