The Port Cup meeting kicks off on Friday October 6 with the first race at 1.15pm. The meeting is at the Port Macquarie Race Course.

Port Macquarie Racing Club’s CEO Michael Bowman said the race day is shaping up to be one of the best yet.

“The final preparations have taken place and it is looking like it will be a great day,” Mr Bowman said.

“Everyone should come down and have some fun, with all the usual race day favourites on offer.

“The racetrack is a kikuyu grassed course, 1600m in circumference and 18m wide, with a straight run of 375m to the finish line.”

From the fashions on the field to the full day of racing on the program there will be plenty for everyone to enjoy.

“Last year we had a tremendous turnout, and this year we are expecting a crowd of over 4000 people and the roar when the horses come across the finish line is always remarkable," he said.

With over $390,000 in prize money on offer over the eight races, the race everyone will be waiting for is the Carlton Mid Port Macquarie Cup set over 2000m with $150,000 in prize money for the winner.

“The Carlton Mid Port Macquarie Cup is the big race everyone will be waiting for, and this year the prize money has increased by 50 percent, so we are expecting a terrific, competitive race.”

For the avid race punter, there can be a number of factors to look at when deciding whether or not to place a bet, but at the end of the day, the way the track is set out can also be a determining factor on which horse to pick.

The race track is laid out symmetrically with two 400 metres straights and two sweeping cambered turns of 400m. There is also an advantage to horses with an inside barrier in 1000m and 1400m events.

However, with the banked turns and long straight, winners can still come from well back in the field on the home turn.

Fashionistas also have their moment to shine after race three with the FOCUS Fashions on the Field, with more than $5000 in prizes on offer.

This year, eligible contestants will be able to pre-register at the gates from 11.30 am for Young Racegoer, Best Millinery, Best Couple, Best Dressed Gent and Most Elegant Lady.

For an edge in the competition, one of this years Judges Local Milliner, Carol Watson said all colours are in the mix.

“In terms of this years trends, midi dresses in lace and florals are still the mainstay of spring racing fashion, but pastels, especially pale pink and pale blue seem to be eternally in style.

“White and nude tones are bigger than ever, and rose gold is the new black,” she said.