mmg.com.au

The Echuca Pacing Cup will headline a jam-packed night of racing at Echuca Harness Racing Club tonight.

The event will be Black Caviar-themed as the famous mare attempts her 24th straight win when she races at Moonee Valley tonight, with EHRC to set up a live broadcast thanks to funding from the Victorian Government.

Black Caviar merchandise will be on sale at the club and spectators are encouraged to dress in salmon and black, with the first 200 people in the colours through the gate to receive free entry.

The $25,000 Echuca Pacing Cup headlines the meet, followed by the $20,000 George Croxford Tribute Final and the time-honoured JA Connelly Crystal Bucket.

Committee member Damian Corken said it should be a spectacular evening.

‘‘The weather’s looking really good for a massive night of racing, which features 12 fields,’’ he said.

‘‘The quality of the race fields is probably the best I’ve seen here at Echuca. It’s a Melton-quality field.’’

The action is not just on the race track, with a jumping castle and face painting to entertain the kids and a food and wine market to please the adults.

Melbourne duo Street Cafe will also perform and cash draws and giveaways will be constant throughout the night.

‘‘There’s not much sport happening in town this weekend, so it’s a good opportunity for people to come down for a fun night of racing,’’ Corken said.

Norm Smith medallist David Rhys-Jones will be another star attraction tonight, mingling with the punters and onlookers after speaking at one of the marquees.

The former Sydney and Carlton hard man will sign two Blues guernseys, which will be auctioned off tonight.

Corken said drawing on Black Caviar’s race would hopefully draw a greater audience to the racing club.

With rain dampening last year’s meet and washing it out completely in 2011, Corken was hopeful kinder conditions would attract a crowd between 3000 to 4000 people.

Gates open at 4.30pm, with race one starting at 5.30pm.