THE change of date for the town's biggest meeting of the year appears to be a masterstroke for the Muswellbrook Race Club.
Not only did the organisation boast exceptionally strong fields on the program on Friday, a huge crowd descended upon the Skellatar Park facility - buoyed by a half-day public holiday in the shire.
To that end, there were plenty of winners in the fashion stakes, too, with the men and women looking their best.
"We're always focused on growing our feature race day," Muswellbrook Race Club general manager Duane Dowell said.
"And, when the recommendation came through (from Racing NSW) for a date change to autumn, as opposed to November or December, I was very keen to pursue it.
"It's certainly a positive move for the club.
"I'm extremely happy with the turn-out so far [today].
"It caps off a great week with the Country Championships Wild Card last Sunday, and the Muswellbrook Cup Festival Charity Golf Day (on Thursday)."
The $100,000 Muswellbrook and District Workers Club Muswellbrook Gold Cup even attracted high-profile Sydney trainers such as Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, as well as prominent mentors Brett Cavanough, Kris Lees, Richard Freeman and Paul Perry.
