ONE of the biggest days on the Balranald calendar returns this weekend, with the much-loved Balranald Cup running on Saturday.

It will be the first time Balranald Racing Club has hosted the cup in March, after a move from its traditional day in February was first intended for last year.

Following a track inspection by stewards, it was deemed racing could not occur on 2022 Balranald Cup day.

BRC president Tony Conway said the change of dates had a positive response from the community.

“I think the majority of people are pretty happy with it,” he said.

“Nobody likes change that much, but we all appreciate the nicer weather and I think that will be seen with a good crowd this year.

“I hope we will see 600 punters trackside there this Saturday, and anything more is a bonus.”

There had been 88 nominations for the cup, with the field announced on Thursday afternoon.

Conway said a new club initiative would hopefully make it a better cup field in 2023.

“The club has got a new initiative called the trainer and jockeys bonus which we think will go quite well,” he said.

“A trainer who trains four winners will get $2000, or a jockey who rides four winners will receive $1000.

“We’re hoping that becomes a twofold thing – hopefully, it might attract a few more horses and jockeys who are usually a bit of a scarcity.”

While the races are the main attraction, it was sure to be a fun family day out for all, with live entertainment, food stalls and bookies on-site.

“We try to cater for the families with some activities for the kids,” Conway said.

“We always like to have some entertainment next to the marquees.

“Whilst it’s a race meeting, you’ve got to have a balance – a lot of people go to have a bet and enjoy the races whilst others go for the social aspect.”

Gates open at 11am.