Accommodation is scarce and if racegoers haven’t booked a bed for the week, their chances of finding a room are slim.

Some motels have doubled or tripled their regular mid-week prices for the next three days, according to internet booking sites.

A spokeswoman from Warrnambool Visitor Information Centre said the city’s accommodation options were “chockas”. “There is only two or three places left with availabilities,” she said.

“People usually book their accommodation a year in advance. Everything has a three-night minimum stay. Some people come for a full week, but most come on Tuesday and leave on Friday.”

Warrnambool Racing Club chief executive John Green said the club had enjoyed an ideal lead-up to the carnival.

“The track and facilities are in great order,” he said.

“The heavy rain expected over the weekend didn’t eventuate.”

While weather reports are predicting mild and cold conditions, Mr Green remained positive about the forecast. “We’re in for a cool week, but hopefully it won’t be too wet,” he said.

A new addition at the races will be a marquee with Anzac memorabilia on display from across the south-west.

“The racecourse was used as a staging post,” Mr Green said.

“There will be photos and lists of local men and women who served. 

“On Thursday we will have a presentation by the Corangamite Light Horse contingent. They will provide an escort for the Warrnambool Cup and Grand Annual Steeplechase trophies. 

“They will also lead the field out onto the track in full regalia. 

“It is a small recognition of what happened 100 years ago.”

This morning’s Breakfast with the Stars will raise money for the Leila Rose Foundation and yesterday, away from the racetrack, there was a Catholic Mass, seeking divine blessing for the internationally-famous program.

St Joseph’s Church was filled for the service, where racing delegates and local parishioners heard parish priest Father John Fitzgerald say the carnival was an occasion for celebration at a time when there was much sadness in the world.

Victorian Jockeys’ Association president Neville “Nifty” Wilson and Face of the Carnival Laura Kelly were among the scripture readers. 

“It’s a tradition dating back many years and has become an official part of the racing week,” Father Fitzgerald told The Standard. “There’s very much an ecumenical flavour in the congregation.”

The church entrance foyer was adorned with racing memorabilia including winners’ trophies from the Warrnambool Cup, Grand Annual Steeplechase, Brierly Steeplechase and South Australia’s Oakbank.

Photographs dating back to the 1890s and jockeys’ silks were also on show.

The first race will start tomorrow at 11.20am, with a 10-race card on offer.