Local trots followers are eagerly awaiting the opening meeting of the 2018/2019 Warragul harness racing season, which takes place this Sunday afternoon, December 23.
It is the first meeting staged at Logan Park since late August, and the first of several Sunday afternoon programs to be staged by the Warragul Harness Racing Club over coming months.
Numbers of local horses competing on Sunday are expected to be strong.
Last Saturday morning 17 horses competed in barrier trials at Warragul, and many of them are expected to back up this weekend for race assignments.
Local trainers Gary and Debbie Quinlan and Michael Hughes also expect to have strong representation in the events on Sunday from their stables.
Sunday's race meeting celebrates 30 years of racing on what is known as the Warragul Pacing Bowl, the racetrack of just over 800 metres in circumference which opened for competition in December 1988.
The track replaced a much smaller circuit which had hosted regular trots meetings since the late 1940s.
Warragul's current track was upgraded with an improved track surface and better camber on the corners in late 2014, and has produced faster race times since.
There will be free entry for patrons attending Sunday's race meeting, with the first race expected to start around 1pm.
A lucky racegoer raffle, giveaways and a visit from Santa Claus will keep patrons young and old amused between races.
Kyle Galley