The club will host eight meetings across 15 days, from Boxing Day to January 9.

Four of the fixtures are night meetings, including the opener on Thursday, and the four others are twilight programs.

Cottee said the scheduling would elevate attendances, as it allowed locals and holidaymakers to enjoy the beach during the warm days before making their way trackside in the cooler evenings.

“It was mixed last year, there were more days,” he said.

“This year we worked with GRV and scheduled night and twilight meetings.

“It’s beneficial for everyone.”

Cottee said there was already a buzz surrounding the carnival.

“A lot of people from out of town camp and set up each year and they have been coming for a number of years,” he said.

“The place is packed again.

“Dog nominations are strong so far and we have $110,000 in prizemoney up for grabs.” Meetings are on Boxing Day, December 28, 30 and 31 and January 2, 5, 6 and 9.

Cottee said there were five feature races: the 390-metre Flying Star final on January 5, 650m GRV Vic Breeders distance final and the 450m Warrnambool Fencing Specialists final on January 6, and the 450m Warrnambool Summer Cup final, GRV Vic Breeders GR5 final and GRV Vic Breeders maiden final on January 9.

Free children’s entertainment is organised for each meeting and Warrnambool speedway talent Jamie Veal’s sprintcar will attend on New Year’s Eve.