This now time-honoured event has continued to grow in statue and officials are predicting another crowd in the order of five to six thousand to pack the Wine Country Race Club venue for some great racing.

The meeting will carry record prizemoney of $99,000 with the Jungle Juice Cup worth $25,000 and an open handicap over 900 metres with $17,000.

Eighteen marquees have been booked while a large fleet of coaches will bring racegoers from the local area, Upper Hunter, Newcastle and the Central Coast.

A race club spokesperson said the meeting will feature at least races and possibly 10 depending on nominations.

Leading jockey Robert Thompson said he will be riding at the meeting but at this stage it was too early to say what choice of mounts he will have.

Thompson has ridden eight cup winners, three for his good friend Jeremy Sylvester and two for his father Arthur.

Rejuvenated galloper and rising 10-year-old Booboo became the only horse to make it back to back wins in the cup when he scored last year.

He was having his 99th start and added another colourful page in the cup’s history, a history that goes back to the days of the Jungle Juice elixir brewed at the Wollombi Tavern by the late Mel Jurd.

The cup is now run over 1350 metres as an open handicap and will be televised worldwide via Sky Channel. The gates will open at 10.45am.