A CLASH in diary dates will see Australia Day celebrations and horse racing coincide at Armidale Racecourse on January 26.
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For the first time, Armidale Jockey Club has scheduled races on the afternoon of the public holiday.
Meanwhile in the morning, Armidale Dumaresq Council will hold it annual Australia Day celebrations, including its Citizen of the Year ceremony.
Colin Gadd said Council and the Jockey Club had decided to make the most of the clash by introducing innovations at the celebrations.
Free entry will be offered to the races in the afternoon to try keep Australia Day crowds at the racecourse.
The club will also hold an Australia Day cup race, with Armidale’s Citizen of the Year presenting the cup to the winner.
In the morning, there will be a literature and art competition for school-aged children with the theme, Australia, a Land of Opportunity for All.
Armidale Jockey Club secretary manager Jim Dedes said the races were a prelude to the Walcha Cup, with each of the seven races sponsored by one of Armidale’s real estate agents.
“Hopefully people who come to the Australia Day celebrations will stay on for the races in the afternoon,” Mr Dedes said.
Cr Gadd said it was an innovative approach to the clash, with live music and a jumping castle offered throughout the day.