The three Rotary Clubs of Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma have combined with Moruya Jockey Club (MJC) to make this race meeting special and they anticipate a terrific response on the day.

“Rotary came to us about the same time we were given the extra race day on the Sunday before Christmas, and the idea has really taken off,” MJC Manager Brian Cowden said.

Rotary Assistant Governor Vere Gray said Rotary found sponsors for six of the seven races, and promoted the idea of people having their Christmas parties at the races.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response, some parties will be catered and some self-catered, as well as there being the food normally available at the races for the general public,” Mrs Gray said.

There will also be children’s entertainment including a jumping castle, face painting and a visit from Santa.

“I think Christmas at the races is going to take off,” Batemans Bay Rotary President David Ashford said.

“It’s something quite different and should be quite spectacular.

“The fact that the three Rotary Clubs are working together is really good. None of the clubs is big enough to do it alone.”

Mr Cowden said 50 per cent of the sponsorship money raised by Rotary will go to Moruya Cancer Carers as well as a percentage of the gate and bar depending on their performance on the day.

There will also be raffles and other fundraising activities.

Moruya Cancer Carers’ chairman Cr Rob Pollock is delighted with Rotary’s initiative in conjunction with Moruya Jockey Club.

‘It will really boost our fundraising efforts,’ he said.