Mungindi Jockey Club president Anthony Barlow said that the track is looking good for the 2008 race and hoped that the event would attract a big field of horses.

One trainer who is hoping to win a race at Mungindi is Moree trainer Martin Fernando who will be entering Monchique in 1200m event, Race Three.

Monchique last won at the Mallawa Picnic Races this year.

“She’s been working well since then,” Fernando said.

The Mungindi race meeting is a non-TAB meeting, usually held on the first weekend in July, but due to a clash with a TAB race meeting in Moree they had to change the date to August.

Mungindi Jockey Club secretary Anna Harrison said the club hoped to run the event back in July next year.

There will be five races on Saturday attracting horses and jockeys as far south as Tamworth for a piece of the total prize pool of $21,500.

The first race starts at 1.15pm.

The main race, Race Four, is the 1400m Mungindi Cup and should have trainers and jockeys competing hard to win the $5550 on offer.

There will also be $250 for the most successful jockey and a $250 Trainer of the Day prize.

Nominations were still coming in at time of print and Harrison said they were looking good so far.

The races have two other changes to their format this year.

The picnic luncheon will move from its traditional spot near the river to a prime trackside location and begins from 12pm.

Publicity officer Ruth Hickson said everyone was invited to take part in the luncheon.

“We encourage everyone to bring a plate of food and everyone is welcome,” Hickson said.

Fashions of the Field will occur before the Mungindi Cup race and there are prizes for both men and women.

The professional footrace has been replaced by the Jolly Swagman Hotel Mungindi Mug Footrace with amateur teams competing in the relay event.

“It always provides a lot of fun and laughs,” Hickson said.

After parties will be hosted by The Jolly Swagman Hotel, the Two Mile Hotel and Mungindi RSL and a courtesy bus will run from the races.