Excitement reigns among racing enthusiasts and social butterflies with the return of the Country Championships finals series to Coonamble Racecourse today Sunday 12 March.

As they have at earlier events, Coonamble Jockey Club volunteers are working hard to incorporate new and improved elements as part of their trackside activities.

The Country Championships attract the cream of our region's horses, jockeys and trainers for the eight race program and this year the standing Minister for Racing, Kevin Anderson, will be in attendance.

Close finish between Bowman and Bullock at the 2022 Country Championships. IMAGE: Coonamble Times

He will join other invited guests upstairs in the Brian Fletcher Stand for a luncheon hosted by Racing NSW.

A chartered flight will deliver some of the industry’s top jockeys and professional form analyst Chantelle Buckley will be helping Mick Wallace to provide the public and television viewers with all their up-to-date selections.

The TAB's social headquarters will be back in prime position on the final stretch with a finishing podium and competitions.

This year the TAB fun involves a digital horse race with punters competing on two ‘horses’ and the best times going on the leaderboard throughout the day.

The person with the best time at the end wins.

They'll also be sending their valued members an invitational text message which earns them free entry to the event.

A regular crew from the Central Coast don't get lost in the crowd. IMAGE: Coonamble Times, Country Championships 2022

Last night Saturday 11 March a Calcutta was held at the Terminus Hotel with a sit down meal, the traditional horse draw and around $15,000 worth of prizes for auction.

Prizes included VIP tickets to a Sydney race meeting, volumes of diesel fuel and oil, four tickets to the Bathurst Six Hour Race at Easter with seating at the finish line lounge and full complimentary drinks and food.

Proceeds will go towards improved amenities and to Coonamble Cancer Survival Fund.

Ana Robson, Coonamble Jockey Club’s secretary, said she is expecting a huge crowd at today's races with both locals and visitors set to take advantage of the entertainment and hospitality on offer.

“All ladies receive a complimentary glass of champagne on entry and, along with the bar, there will be a cocktail bar,” she said.

“As well as our normal on-course food, TP Catering will have a special menu including pulled pork and nachos."

“And for the children there’ll be Pooka the Clown and a jumping castle."

Trackside at the Country Championships Qualifier in Coonamble 2022. IMAGE: Coonamble Times

Jockey Club members and their partners have plans in place to dial up the fashion aspect of the day with help from local business sponsors Jones Made, Mink & Me, Leonards Store, Coonamble Cellars and Ramble Flora.

“We have a large Fashions on the Field competition this year with the major prize available to all finalists in the four categories: Miss Country Championships, Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Gent and Best Dressed Couple," Ms Robson said.

“That prize is a ticket for two to the Ballroom Luncheon at Royal Randwick on Day 1 of The [Star] Championships on April 1 with two night’s accommodation in Sydney.

“Along with the focus on Fashions on the Field there will be fashion parades by Blue Illusion, Jade Boutique, Ruby Maine and My Banks, and Pearls for Girls, with some fashion houses all selling on the day."

The Buckleys win the couples fashion in 2022. The stakes are even higher for 2023. IMAGE: Coonamble Times

The Coonamble Jockey Club continue to set the bar for country racing facilities, adding more physical improvements over recent months.

These include automatic watering systems on the outer area of the race track, a toilet block upgrade and a good-sized investment in overnight stables to house traveling horses.

The stables will be officially opened by Scott Kennedy of Racing NSW at around 11am.

See you trackside today Sunday 12 March with the first race to start at 12noon.