Set to get started on Saturday with a slate of racing that includes the iconic Iron Horse, then proceeding to the Wellington Boot itself on Sunday, the event will be a more subdued affair than usual, but a number of familiar faces are helping to keep the event charged with excitement.

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Wellington Race Club president Ian Darney said that it was good to see many local jockeys electing to ride in the Western region, especially with bigger, city stationed events set to go ahead as well this weekend.

"Those guys, they're the lifeblood of racing, people have got a lot of faith in those jockeys and they mean a hell of a lot to the turnover of an event, people from Wellington love seeing a guy like Greg Ryan in the saddle, especially being a former Wellington boy," Darney said.

Ryan will be riding Pee Dee for trainer Pat Farrell in the Wellington Boot Showcase, with the two-year-old gelding representing a strong chance after a good recent run of form.

"Pat's a great trainer and he's been here before, I think he's even won a couple of Boots too," Darney said.

"The boot itself, the past winners now, we've proven that the horses that come out of the Boot go on to much better races, Superium's gone on to do great things for example," Darney said.

There'll be other big names with Wellington ties in attendance when the big race gets underway on Sunday, with former Rugby League winner and now horse trainer Terry Fahey in attendance with unlikely underdog Sing Ken Ken in for a long odd's shot at the sizable prize.

"A great race - always has been way back when I was playing and I nommed because it's where I come from, my owners, mates and life-long family friends," Fahey told Racing NSW.

"Look, I realise she's a maiden and we're taking on the Snowdens, Kris Lees, Baker and co, but it means a lot to me and my people to be in the race."

"It's that prizemoney and prestige as well. Early days for our filly but the same for the opposition."

Before becoming a horse trainer, Fahey was a national level winger who starred for the Rabbitohs, Roosters and Raiders at various times in his career.

The Wellington Boot Showcase will get underway on Sunday at 4.35pm.