NEWS Sprint day full of cheer
DRINKS flowed, money changed hands and whips cracked at the bet365 Palmerston Sprint yesterday, as one of the carnival’s “best kept secrets” brought a premium day of racing.
Fashions on the Field winner Rebecca Keeley said it was a great day to dress up and enjoy with her friends.
“It’s my favourite day on the whole racing calendar — it’s busy enough, there’s a lot happening on the track but at the same time it’s not as hot and maybe as crowded as the cup so it’s the best kept secret about the races,” she said.
“We’re living our best lives with a jug of Pimms, a bottle of champagne and a really good cheese platter.”
Punter Diane Slocum said the Palmerston Sprint often made for a more interesting day on the field.
“It’s got the faster horses in it, the prizemoney is very good compared to Cup Day so it makes it a more interesting race,” she said.
“That’s all very important for a trainer bringing a horse up here, like I have had in the past.” Closer to the turf, veteran jockey Paul Denton celebrated his 40th year in the saddle, reflecting on his journey at one of his favourite races. “It’s a big achievement, I was nearly going to retire at 15 because weight got the better of me but now I’m 55, 40 years in the saddle and I’m still enjoying it,” he said.
“It’s a special day for me because I’ve won it eight times. It’s a race that’s always quick for me, I’ve ridden in it plenty of times and been beaten in it but it’s been a good race to me. ”
Denton said the racing matched the people of the Top End — casual and light hearted and embracing a bit more weight.