Tamworth Melbourne Cup: jockey club general manager Michael Buckley expects the club to be packed for race day

It's one of the first outdoors large-scale events Tamworth Jockey Club will host since COVID-19 and general manager Michael Buckley expects about 1500 people.

"People have been crying for the opportunity to get dressed up and the Melbourne Cup is the perfect event," he said.

"Ticket sales reflect it will be a really big day, we expect to have in excess of 1500 people on the course.

"The big issue as we all know over the last 18 months has been this ever-changing landscape where you can have an event planned six to eight weeks in advance and all it takes it one bump in the road to flip things upside down.

"But now we can welcome people from the Central Coast, Greater Sydney area and across NSW so it gives more opportunity for people to travel who are looking forward to getting back out."

There will be plenty of fun to be had on the day outside the bookies' stand with Fashions on the Field awarding best dressed male, female and couple.

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Entertainment will be provided by Hurricane Fall member Jesse Vee, with gates to open at 11am and the first race just after 12.

Mr Buckley said he thinks it will pay to follow the local contingent of trainers.

"We have a very competitive group so you'll see a good opportunity for our smaller group trainers to show what they've got," he said.

"Luke Morgan has a few horses in as well as Troy O'Neile with three runners on the day, and Sedgemoor could be hard to beat in race three with Sue Grills' Mixed Regret a tough challenger in the first race.

"But obviously all eyes will be on Melbourne that day."

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