Beach sand trucked into Albany Racing Club for a Boxing Day at the races with a difference

Hawaiian shirts will double as race-wear at this year’s Boxing Day races as one of the biggest events on Albany’s social calendar gets its first theme — summer beach party.

Those standing trackside will be getting the “beach feel”, with sand transported in this week for punters to party on.

Albany Racing Club manager Mark Bayliss said organisers came up with the theme to draw more people through the gates — specifically to make the day more casual for younger generations.

“If you keep going down the same pathway, you are always going to get the same result, but we want to see if we can attract more people and have a bit more fun,” he said.

“People can dress for the beach theme or they can dress up a bit more if they want to in their normal racing attire — it gives you two options.

“I hope it creates a bit more atmosphere.”

Gazebos and cabanas are also being brought in to set the coastal theme.

Pinstripe will play live music to keep the party going after the final race.

Bayliss said it was always a big day for the racing club.

“A lot of kids come back from school to visit their families, and Christmas Day is a family day, but Boxing Day is a social day,” he said. “People want to get out and get loose, and that is probably what it is really all about.

“The racing is generally not what you call A-grade quality horses but there are still going to be seven or eight winners on the day, so there will be some happy people.”

Races start at 1.35pm on Saturday. Guests are advised to download the SafeWA app and bring cash to avoid long queues.

Tickets can be bought at the club during the week or at the door on the day.