Dog jumping is set for a comeback at the Come By Chance Picnic Races 2025 as Racing NSW gives the first nod of approval to the track for the upcoming six race program.

Organisers hope to jump at least six dogs on Saturday 27 September between the last race and the evening fireworks, with Dubbo City Toyota sponsoring the ever-popular pyrotechnics display this year.

The committee has been busy knocking the track into shape, and organising plenty of trackside activities like face painting, food stalls and foot races to keep the day rolling and cater for all ages.

"A lot of people have a lot of warm and perhaps blurry memories from their times at Come By Chance as younger adults. I certainly do," the committee's secretary Jeremy Borowski said.

"We're keeping people in close and warm where the food, the lights and all the goings on are.

"We won't give them an opportunity to think twice about whether they should go home now or stay for just a little bit longer."

Jockeys zip past the crowd in 2024. Rains in the lead-up to the races kept the dust down that year. [IMAGE: River McCrossen]

The Greenoaks Ag Dog Jumps will be preceded by a Calcutta for the sponsored dogs, which proved extra popular in 2023 when the horse races were cancelled.

Dog jumps aren't the only treat in store, which the Fashions on the Field hosting two new categories for the best contemporary and classically dressed women, alongside the best dressed gent.

In between horse runs, the classic foot race will crown the fastest child with a sugar high of lollies which they can work off on the jumping castle, and the open event will see the speediest guys and gals take home some trendy Comby swag.

A fantastic turnout from new and returning sponsors has also allowed the club to raise the prize pool by $1000 to $50,000 for the program.

The extra money will be split between three races, with the headline PJ O’Brien Memorial Cup jumping to $10,250, and the Exact Aviation Maiden up $500 to $9,000!

“We want to encourage the next generation of race track champions, and also attract the Jockeys with $3000 of bonus’ and awards – they are the rockstars of the day after all!”

There will be a full schedule right up until the evening fireworks. [IMAGE: River McCrossen]

"It's a fun, family-oriented affair," Jeremy said.

"We're very aware of the charm that Come By Chance holds in a lot of people's hearts.

"We're not trying to make ourselves a Gold Cup or a professional racetrack.

“Picnics is where we want to stay."

In 2024, the races drew around 750 people through the gates, which will open at 11am, while the first race kicks off at 1:30pm.

Once the dust clears Jimbo Stokes and Band, brought to you by Qube Agri, will take to the stage, with the bar to remain open until 10pm thanks to the support of AMPS & Woodhams Petroleum.