No horses, but 2500 off course
The Berrigan & District Race Club has been unable to buck the trend afflicting horse race meetings across the region recently.
Its Berrigan Gold Cup race day on Saturday was forced to go horseless on course after stewards deemed the track too wet to race on.
A statement the club issued said: “We have just been advised by Racing New South Wales that the racing at Berrigan has been abandoned due to wet weather.
“We are still going ahead with the day with lots of horse racing to watch on the big screen TV, and metropolitan bookies attending, bar operating in full swing and Fashions on the Field is all going ahead.
“There’s still a party to be had, so let’s get together and enjoy the day.”
That call was answered by about 2500 patrons who made the most of an opportunity to catch up with friends and make an impression on the fashion judges.
Following the cancellation of racing, the committee reduced the entry fee to $10 for adults, with concession entry $5, which encouraged a large crowd to attend.
“It was a fantastic day,” Berrigan Racing Club ???????? Murphy said.
“Everyone supported the club really well. “We still had 28 marquees and people travelled from all over, North Sydney and Geelong, as well as many other locations.
“All the off-course activities went ahead.” Winners of the Fashions on the Field were:
• Junior Boy - Jordan Swann.
• Junior Girl - Lucy Crossley.
• Best Hat - Alana Coates.
• Couple of the Day - Julian & Ally Rourke.
• Gent of the Day - Justin Lewis.
• Lady of the Day - Cath Brooks.
Mrs Murphy said it was a fantastic turnout from all our party crowd at our annual Gold Cup.
“The betting ring was in full swing with the large TV screen getting people in the horse mood, the bar was very well supported and food was delicious,” she said.
“In the marquees, everyone was exceptionally happy and having a ball and said they will all be back next year.
“Josh the DJ did a great job entertaining everyone, the dancing was getting better and better as the day progressed.
“Fashions was once again a treat seeing everyone dress up beautifully and putting in a huge effort with their outfits.”
She said it was an “awesome crowd and a fantastic day”, and thanked all who supported the club by attending.
She also congratulated the committee and volunteers, who she said “did an amazing job”.