The annual Braidwood Races are on again very soon, specifically from 12.30pm on Saturday, February 9.

Organised by the Braidwood Jockey Club, the horse racing serves as the centrepiece of the event but there are also other social and creative aspects to enjoy.

As club president Nick Harton pointed out, “Fashions on the Field will again be a highlight of the day, kindly organised by Kerry McGlone and family.”

To get punters to the race course safely and conveniently, “Buses will be run locally from the pubs and club, donated by Braidwood Buses,” Mr Harton added.

The Braidwood Races appear to be gaining popularity too, with about 1100 through the gates in 2018, an increase on the year before.

“It was a great day. The club was very happy how the day went. The weather held out beautifully for us,” Mr Harton said after the 2018 races.

Sponsors are vital for any event like this. Dargues Gold Mine are again sponsoring the annual Braidwood Cup, and “Real Traffic Solutions are sponsoring a new major race this year, the Drought Breakers’ sprint,” Mr Harton said.

“For both of these races, the committee and Racing NSW have increased the prize money to entice more horses.

“To help you see more of the action, the big screen will be on track again with all of the day’s race highlights and all of our wonderful sponsors of the day. Bendigo Bank is the big screen sponsor.”

There are also full bar facilities – no BYO – and eftpos available.

Plus there’s fun for all the family too. The Apex jumping castle will be there for the kids’ entertainment.

For those interested in placing a bet, 10 local bookmakers will be in the new improved bookies’ ring behind the grandstand plus two metro bookies and the TAB van will be there also for the dedicated punters.

In 2018’s races, Ultima Chance won the Braidwood Cup, followed by No Luck Needed and Failed Approach.

Other horses in the running for that main race were Girls Own, Tradtri, Diamond Charlie, Little Miss Chelsea, Goodlookin'rooster and Yarragee Road.

Also in 2018, horses trained by local Aaron Clarke won Race 2 and Race 5, who told our Braidwood Times reporter he was pleased by the results.

“It’s always good to win at home,” Mr Clarke said. “It was a good day - it was good to see everyone getting out there.”

As an extra bit of enjoyment prior to the Braidwood Races, “Don’t forget the Braidwood Cup Calcutta Friday night, 6pm at the Servicemens Club,” Mr Harton concluded.