Running since 1981, organisers are expecting a bumper crowd this year, after more than 1500 walked through the gates in 2017.

“It really is a time-honored tradition in the Cessnock area,” Newcastle Jockey Club racing manager Michael Buckley said. 

“It really is a great day out and a chance to see some fantastic racing. In the past we’ve had some great moments like local legend Robert Thompson who has won an impressive eleven Jungle Juice Cups.”

“It really is a day where everyone can come together.”

The cup had previously been held in July up until last year and Mr Buckley said  that the change of date had cast a lot more focus on the event as well as giving racegoers  the chance to make a long-weekend out of the fixture.

“It used to be a July fixture and it lost a little bit of its prestige as it was in the middle of winter and there was always  strong chance of washouts,” he said.

“But having it in October, when its a bit warmer and given that the first race starts at 1 or 1.30pm, people could maybe take a half-day from work – it’s a great way to see in the weekend.”

The Cessnock Leagues Club Jungle Juice Cup will be on at Cessnock Racecourse on Friday 12 Octover from 12pm. For more information, visit newcastleracecourse.com.au