THE weather really ‘turned it on’ for the Swan Hill June Racing Carnival this year, with attendance numbers tipped to make it the biggest yet.
The trackside was buzzing with activity yesterday as thousands of people frocked up, placed their bets and got into the spirit of the Swan Hill Cup Day.
Murray Mallee Racing’s Sheree Keyte said the “serious hours” that were put in by volunteers and staff to make this year’s carnival happen had paid off.
“The crowd looks like it’s going to be the best we’ve had,” she said.
“I feel like I say that every year, but based on the fantastic weather and the big crowds we’ve had over the three days I think we’re going to do it again.”
Last year the total attendance over the three day carnival was about 8000, with a 4700-stong crowd turning out for the Swan Hill Cup Day.
As a relative newcomer to Swan Hill, this year was the first time punter Jenelle Gordon had made it to the Swan Hill track for the annual event.
“We go to the Flemington spring races in Melbourne every year, and this has just been a fabulous day,” she said.
“The betting was great, we got a few good tips and had a couple of wins.
“We’ll definitely be back next year.
“I think we’re going to enter Fashions on the Field.”
Entrants from across the district and beyond turned out to compete in the Fashions on the Field event this year.
Swan Hill woman Paula McGregor was named Lady of the Day, while local Britt Ditterich won the Fashionable Racegoer/local category.
Jessica Mabilia from Wakool took out the Elegent Racegoer award.
Ms Keyte said support for the carnival from the Swan Hill community had been huge, with many people making an annual pilgrimage to the event each year.
“The word of mouth for this event is getting so strong,” she said.
“We love putting the carnival on and being able to bring lots of people into town.”
