Boxing Day races to keep tradition with crowd of thousands expected through Percy Spencer Racecourse gates

Albany’s Boxing Day Races are set to draw another huge crowd, with the Albany Racing Club expecting more than 2500 people through the gates on December 26. Boxing Day Races is one of the Albany Racing Club’s biggest-attended meetings throughout the season, alongside the Albany Cup on Easter Sunday and the Bluff Knoll slot race. Punters are expected to enjoy a warm day trackside this year, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a maximum temperature of 26C. Free buses will deliver punters from the Albany Public Library at regular intervals throughout the afternoon, and return at the end of the event. Gates open at Percy Spencer Racecourse at 11am, and Albany Racing Club general manager Paul Rossiter said the club was looking forward to hosting another edition of the much-loved event. “It’s a bit of an Albany tradition, and one that I hope continues,” he said. “The races themselves are obviously a big drawcard, but at the end of the day it’s not just about that, it’s a great way to spend Boxing Day out in the sun, out with mates, and there will be plenty on throughout the day to keep everyone entertained. “Along with some great racing, there will be free activities for the kids throughout the day, and the bar will be open for the adults. “The weather is looking perfect, and we’re expecting plenty of people to come along and have a fun, relaxing day with us out at the racecourse.” Crowd favourites No Hat No Play are returning to the stage for another year, with live music kicking off straight after the last race of the day.