THOUSANDS gathered trackside at the Swan Hill Racecourse yesterday for a monumental milestone — the 150th running of the Swan Hill Cup.
Minnie Downs was ridden to victory by Kerang jockey Jye McNeil, backed by trainer Brian Cox from Wodonga and cheered on by locals and visitors alike.
Once again the Murray Downs Golf and Country Club Swan Hill June Racing Carnival attracted record attendance levels, with organisers already dubbing the three day carnival a success
Murray Mallee Racing CEO Aaron Garvie told The Guardian that the numbers of racegoers had yet to be tallied but he hoped they had equaled last year’s figure of 5000 racegoers.
“We saw really strong crowds on Friday and Saturday, and another strong day on the Sunday,” Mr Garvie said.
“We had over 2000 pre-booked tickets…we’re confident we’ll go close to the 5000 we were hoping for, if not more.”
“The crowds have been fantastic over the three days,” he added.
Those that passed through the gates took the chance to frock and suit up, revel with friends and even make a bet…or two or three.
On Sunday punters made the most of the 17 degree day with many enjoying a cold drink in the sunshine while watching the horses thunder down the track.
“We’re very happy with the way the track has held up after three days of racing,” Mr Garvie said.
“Industry professionals have said it performed really well.”
