"It is an Irish theme and people can party with foot-tapping tunes and songs from two Irish bands, Roolya Boolya and Frohlich Bros," said TFJC's president, Garry McQuillan.

"Everyone should dress up in Irish gear with a prize for the best dressed in green.

"And we have a great promotion where we'll be giving away two tickets to the Pavilion with food and drink included on XXXX Gold Cup Day [Friday 8th September].

"Patrons just need to fill in a coupon in the racebook and place it in the box to be drawn after the second last race. We will also run free buses to and from the racetrack."

Local trainer Terry Evans has nominated seven horses for the day: Korubela Miss, Robarge, Maasai Mara, Not Taking It, Royal Teens, Duke Of James and California Dreamin.

His grey flyer Sir Ravanelli will be staging an exhibition gallop between races – the gelding having won the Tuncurry Country Championships Qualifier in February.

Newcastle's Kris Lees has also entered a handful of gallopers on Friday with Better Not Bitter, Barclaps, Never Sorry, Satirical Fan and last start Scone winner Oakfield Wallaby.

Muswellbrook Race Club will also host a meeting on Friday with their Magic Millions Queen of the Valley Matchmaker Raceday.

MRC's Elita Moss said: "We will have great racing, excellent food and live entertainment in the gardens by popular band Kyda Rock.

"Magic Millions and major studs will be sponsoring the day with gates opening at 11am."

The Queen of the Valley Matchmaker is a special race with winning owners receiving not just the allotted prizemoney but also get a choice of one stallion nomination from a list of sires participating.

"This race ties in nicely for this time of year with the breeding season commencing."