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Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne will travel to the Adelaide Hills as the ambassador of the iconic 2016 Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival.

Racegoers will have the opportunity to watch Payne, the first female jockey to win Australia’s most prestigious horse race, in action over two days.

She will attend the Carnival on Easter Saturday and Easter Monday and will most likely ride both days.

Payne’s brother, Patrick Payne, will this year return to Oakbank with his star jumper Lord of the Song.

The bay gelding has won the two previous Great Eastern Steeplechases and will compete for the title for a third straight time on Easter Monday.

Oakbank Racing Club Chairman John Glatz said Payne would prove a huge drawcard for the 60,000 people expected to flock to the event.

“We’re celebrating our 140th event this year – the Carnival has been an important attraction on the state’s tourism calendar since it first started in 1876,” Glatz said.

“It’s a significant milestone and we couldn’t think of a better way to mark it than to have Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne on-hand to celebrate.”

Glatz said a long line of traditions, including camping near the track in the lead-up to the event and the Melba’s Giant Easter Egg hunt, will continue at Oakbank this year.

Adelaide-based caterer La Dolce Vita will feed hungry punters at food and wine precinct The Paddock.

Chef and owner Rob Paglia will be on-hand to make a giant paella containing chorizo, pork belly, chicken and prawns. Crafted in a giant pan sent specifically from Spain that measures 1.5m in diameter, the dish is sure to be a trackside favourite.

Joining La Dolce Vita in The Paddock is Stirling-based chocolatier Marcus Remmers from Red Cacao, who’ll serve up scrumptious chocolate treats and decadent desserts.

Racegoers can also treat themselves to vino from Sidewood, Somerled and Golding Wines.

Children’s activities are still front and centre at the event, with the Kids Zone area taking up a portion of the centre of the track with amusement rides, jumping castles, face painting and the Stable Stars Club.