Wellington's major end-of-year and post Christmas event, the Boxing Day races, are just about upon us.
And according to Wellington Race Club president, Ian Darney, there's no better way to relax in the shade after a hectic Christmas, than to organise the family and friends for a day at the races.
"The track is looking perfect thanks to bore water irrigation, and the children are well-looked after as well with the jumping castle and other treats," Mr Darney said.
Gates open at 11am and there's plenty of shade for everyone.
During the club's recent annual general meeting Mr Darney welcomed Hermitage Hill Country Retreat and Function Centre as the new major sponsor of the Wellington Boot Racing Carnival.
"We are really delighted owners Wayne and Julie Shepherd have decided to take on the 'Boot' sponsorship from 2020," he said.
"The club had been very fortunate for the 'Boot' to be sponsored by State Wide Sheds for the past 10 years and more, however, Hermitage Hill has taken up the reins and both the club and the Shepherds will be working closely together to enhance this iconic carnival even further.
"Our signature racing event, the Hermitage Hill Wellington Boot, has received a significant boost to prizemoney, now being a huge $200,000 race, while the Wellington Cup is also $100,000."
The 2020 Wellington Boot Racing Carnival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 4 and 5.
"The 'Boot' 1100 metre race for two-year-olds has produced on-going champions of the turf and next year is the race's 40th anniversary with the carnival's total prizemoney now some $700,000 - plus," Mr Darney said.
"This year's winner, Superium, has amassed $166,000 while the 2018 winner, Miss Invincible, has more than $386,000 in prizemoney.
"To top all the 'Boot" successes, Yes Yes Yes, the son of the 2008 Boot winner, Sin Sin Sin, has amassed a staggering $7.174 million from his win in the recent 2019 Everest, billed as the richest race on turf in the world."
Mr Darney said that was testament to the amount of thoroughbred talent which had progressed from the iconic Wellington fixture.
The annual two-day racing carnival brings a huge economic boost to the Wellington and surrounding areas local communities.
