After a spell that lasted more than half a century, the Willaura Cup was revived in 2011 and since then the meeting has grown to be one of the feature race days on the Ararat Turf Club's calendar.

This year's Willaura Cup Day holds extra significance with the event coinciding with the grand opening of the Ararat Turf Club's brand new Race Day and Function Venue.

With contributions from the Victorian Government and Country Racing Victoria, the Ararat Turf Club was able to build the new facility to replace the old Jockey Rooms.

The Victorian Government contributed $206,421 towards the venue through the Victorian Racing Infrastructure Fund, with the Ararat Turf Club contributing $156,000 and Country Racing adding a further $50,000.

Without these contributions the new function venue would not have been accomplished.

This Sunday will see 100 people attend the official opening ceremony through the 'Exclusive Race Day Package' to be held in the Race Day and Function Venue overlooking the mounting yard and winning post.

Member for Ripon, Louise Staley MP will cut the ribbon, while other dignitaries in attendance will include Ararat Rural City Councillor Garry Hull and Country Racing board members.

Due to an overwhelming response for the Exclusive Race Day Package the grand opening is fully booked. The Ararat Turf club will hold a special luncheon at its next race meeting on September 18, where racing members from across the Wimmera and Ararat Turf Club life members will be invited to attend and view the new facilities.

Sunday's Willaura meeting is expected to draw a big crowd, with the Mini Marquee Packages all sold out as well.

There will be 18 free Winning Post Umbrella Packages for 'early bird arrivals' to the Ararat Turf Club available on the day first come, first served. Gates will open at 11am, with the first race to jump at 12.59pm.

If you book online your racecourse admission tickets into the Willaura Cup will be free or you can pick up free admission tickets from the Willaura Post Office, Lake Bolac Post Office or Lake Bolac Tourist Office today. Gate prices on the day are $20 for adults and $10 concession, while children under 17 years will be free.

The day will feature fine entertainment from returning local band 'The Mahony Brothers', who will be performing throughout the event on the lawn, so bring along a picnic rug and make a day of it.

There will also be loads of free children's activities to entertain the kids including Dollimore Jumping Castles, Jamie and Kim's Animal-Reptile Zoo and Cleggart Face Painting.

Willaura Lions Club will be catering with a sausage sizzle and steak sandwiches.

A free bus will depart starting from Lake Bolac (10.15am), Wickliffe (10.30am), Glenthompson (10.45am), Willaura (11.15am) and the Ararat Town Hall (11.45am) and arrive at NMIT Ararat Park at 11.50am. A return bus will leave the racecourse at 5.30pm and 6pm.

So head along to the T.M 'Murray' Slattery Willaura Cup and enjoy a historical day out.