Grass track trots a ‘good day out’
There was a buzz around Orari’s historic racecourse on Saturday with more than 600 spectators for the first race day of its 150th year.
Three generations of families and a 30-strong hen’s party were among the crowd who flocked to the course for the Challenge Stakes day, Geraldine Trotting Club racing manager Richard Bromley said.
‘‘That [the hen’s party] was quite unique,’’ Bromley said.
‘‘We didn’t have anyone counting heads at the gate but we did print 550 racebooks and only have six left. Of course, not everyone takes a race book.’’
The free, family-friendly grass track harness racing event featured 12 races with 160 horses competing.
‘‘Six hours can get a bit hard and people didn’t stay for all of it, but there was always a good buzz around,’’ Bromley said.
‘‘It was a good day out. The club is very happy with the foot traffic and the passion of the people.’’
He said the weather was spot on with warmth and clear skies during the day and only cooling down as the race day came to a close.
The day was the second of two official meetings for the season, the first having been in November.
This year marked only the third time the club had held a February race meeting, previously hosting just one per season.
‘‘This was the most successful of the three. It’s definitely gained momentum over the past three years and it just shows that grass track racing is strong in the area.’’
What kept Orari’s historic racecourse trotting along for 150 years was a ‘‘very, very positive’’ committee, Bromley said.
‘‘‘The racing family fraternity is very strong in the area.’’