Dunkeld Racing Club is preparing for record numbers at its once-a-year race day on November 17.
Three months out, revenue from advance ticket sales and marquee packages for the 2018 event are up more than $20,000 on the same stage last year.
The racecourse, set at the foot of the Grampians range, hosts what is now one of the iconic race days on the Australian racing calendar.
Experienced racing administrator Lisa Evans, who has replaced Karen Van Kempen as manager at Dunkeld, says she’s gobsmacked by the day’s popularity.
“I must admit I’ve never been to the races at Dunkeld but I’ve heard all about it,” Evans said. “I’m really looking forward to working there this year. 
“I’ve been quite amazed by the interest from all over Victoria and interstate. People just want to enjoy the day at one of the most picturesque racecourses in Australia. 
“I’ve got to give a lot of credit to Karen. She’s done a great job laying the foundations.”
Van Kempen, who has seen the Dunkeld crowd increase from 4000 in 2003 to 11,000 in 2017, stood down from her role due to personal reasons.
She was also the manager at the Camperdown and Terang racing clubs but has also stood down from the job at Terang. 
’Tone on target
Tough Orford jumper Mannertone is spot on for Sunday’s $350,000 Grand National Steeplechase at Sportsbet-Ballarat after his third placing in a restricted steeplechase at Warrnambool last Thursday.
Trainer Anne McGrath said she was delighted with Mannertone’s run, which came on the back of a jumps win at Bendigo last month.
“It was a very good run considering the  race was run on the course proper at Warrnambool, which didn’t suit him.
“It’s going to be a crackerjack field in the National.”
The 10-year-old is no stranger to the August jumps day at Ballarat. He won the restricted ’chase at the meeting in 2016 and failed to complete the course in last year’s Grand National.
Terang gets touch-up
The installation of new mounting yard and horse stall railings at Terang will start in October, with works completed in time for Terang’s first meeting of the season on November 23.