The 2024 Rodney Lees Cabinetmaking Lismore Cup Carnival kicked off today at the Lismore Golf Club with the inaugural Viva Racing Lismore Cup Golf Day and Calcutta.

A sold-out field of 144 teed off this afternoon in a four-person ambrose event (hit from the best shot of the four each time) for some fun, prizes and the hope of a hole-in-one on the second hole that would net someone $200,000.

Lismore Turf Club Secretary Manager Scott Jones told the Lismore App that golfers were a bit nervous when they stood at the tee box.

"We've had a couple about two metres away so far, so not real close at this stage. But it's been great, everyone loves it. They get a bit excited. It's not every day they would have a crack at $200,000.

(The Lickiss Fabrication team warm up for the $200,000 hole-in-one attempt)

As you would expect, there needs to be a bit of scrutiny at the hole to prove a hole-in-one claim.

"We have two independent guys here to keep an eye on every shot and a camera behind the hole to make sure everything's legit for us. Ideally, someone knocks it in, and they've got $200,000 to play with tomorrow at the Cup."

(Mayor Steve Krieg's tee shot on the second, with the camera in the background)

Back at the Lismore Turf Club, Operations Manager Daniel Kedraika was guiding preparations for tomorrow's 2024 Rodney Lees Cabinetmaking Lismore Cup.

As is standard with the Cup, rain may have an impact on the day. After suffering so much bad luck when it comes to weather, they are dearly hoping for a change in fortune.

At this stage, the weather is coming from the northwest, bringing showers and potentially heavy rain. Tomorrow morning, a southerly change will reach the north coast bringing more showers with it. Most of the heavy rain is expected to fall on Saturday.

The good fortune comes from the forecast rainfall range of 3mm to 25mm. The lower side would be ideal for Daniel.

"It's not necessarily about how much rain we get," Daniel explained, "We haven't watered in a while to allow any rain to soak as much as expected. The track can definitely handle the amount of rain. It's just how quickly it comes down and how small a window it falls."

"If it all dumps heavily in the morning with water sitting on the surface, and it's dangerous for horses, then it will be pulled. Essentially, those decisions will be made by the stewards on track from five or six o'clock in the morning. If the rain's still falling, they'll be making constant updates and adjustments. If the rain stops and we've had what we've had, they'll make a call to decide to go ahead with race one.

"Then, after each race, they watch the replays, they talk to the jockeys, and they get an idea of safety. Is there too much water on the track? Is it slipping? What's it like, especially just around the corners?

"We've got a good cover. We've prepped it as best we possibly can. It's just all about the same question..... how much and when?

For those making their wardrobe decisions based on the weather, it is best to decide tomorrow morning when we know what has happened overnight.

"At this stage, it's looking good. The grass is harder than concrete. But again, it depends on what and when. If we hold off through the night with not much rain, like I said, it'll soak up plenty, and it'll be good to go. But if you look out the sky and it's falling down you should change to comfort over style."

The gates open at 12 noon tomorrow, with the first race at 12:34, the last at 4:49, with the 2024 Rodney Lee Cabinetmaking Lismore Cup run at 4:09.

Fashion of the Field heats will begin straight after Race Two.

(Fashions on the Field 2023)

The Billy Gudgeon Band will rock the after-party following the end of the final race at 4:49.

Tickets are $25 at the gate tomorrow, unless you arrive after 4pm when it will cost you $5 to watch the last two races and enjoy the live music from Billy Gudgeon.

The Lismore App will have another weather and track update tomorrow morning.