The finishing touches are being put on one of the region’s most popular events set to get underway in January.
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The Deepwater Races see thousands of people head to the town every year and the 2019 event is set to be no different.
Deepwater Jockey Club secretary Tricia Stack said it is one of the most popular meets on the local racing calendar and expects a huge roll up January 19’s event.
“I don't think it is going to be any smaller than last year,” she said.
“At this stage it could even been bigger.
“They can come to the country and have a carefree sort of day and it is a very rolling and flat area.”
Stack said racegoers come from far and wide.
“I would say up in south Queensland, maybe as far as Gympie, Armidale definitely, over the coast towards Grafton and in the west, Moree,” she said.
“Sometimes they bring buses. It has become a bit of a social thing for people to catch up each year.
“For me personally, I think the quaintest thing is when we come in we don't actually have a gate, we have a tree with gatekeepers standing around it.
“I am resisting any change for that, I think it is lovely.”
While it is highly social, there is still plenty of on-field entertainment with six races on offer.
This year the prizemoney has increased to $53,000.
Whether you fancy frocking up or donning casual clothes, anything goes but the Fashions on the Field competition is fierce.
“You can come in your stubby shorts if you want to or you can come dressed up if you want to,” Stack said.
“The fashions on the field has got bigger and bigger, it is a hugely contested thing.
“The prizemoney this year for fashions is $3000 up from $2600.”
Most Stylish Couple: 1st - $500 cash - Rangers Valley Cattle Station 2nd - $400 ($250 voucher The Potting Shed, $50 voucher Ruben & Flax, $100 cash from DJC), 3rd - $300 ($200 voucher Flanagans Menswear, $100 voucher The Premier Store).
Best Dressed Gent: $200 voucher CRT Say and Co Rural and Colin Say and Co P/L, 2nd - $150 cash ($100 from Raine & Horne & $50 from DJC) 3rd - $100 voucher from Flanagan’s Menswear.
Contemporary Racewear: (Female) $300 cash ($220 Horders Family Funerals, $80 from DJC) 2nd- $200 voucher from Timbs Pharmacy and 3rd - $150 voucher from Simply Country.
Most Elegant Lady: 1st -$200 cash JR and AL Ritchie, 2nd - $200 gift corner life and style, 3rd -$100 cash Robina Cox.
Junior Race Attendee: 1st- $100 voucher from Schafers Newsagency, 2nd - $50 cash from Deepwater Jockey Club, 3rd -$50 voucher from Flanagan’s Menswear