THE magic of the Moulamein Cup was on show Saturday with the town’s population increasing by more than four-fold.
Moulamein Racing Club president Nicholas McKindlay said more than 1400 people were in attendance at the dirt track on the outskirts of Moulamein.
McKindlay said the township benefitted greatly as racegoers enjoyed the racing on the track and invested into the many activities off it.
“After getting 40 degrees last year and dropping in crowd numbers, we were a bit worried about this year,” McKindlay said.
“But 30 degrees was perfect weather for us and it makes it comfortable for everyone.
“It’s the perfect crowd because while we’re not a big course, it’s a big event for Moulamein.
“It’s a great time for all the businesses and clubs in Moulamein to fund raise and make a bit of money.
“It’s terrible having a drought, but everyone has got their harvest out of the way and just before Christmas, it’s a great way to relax.”
Many tried their hand in the wealth of fashions on the field categories on offer, while others spent time at the bookies, bars, food vans or just socialising.
The children also had plenty of entertainment from jumping castles to magic shows throughout the day.
Many children, and even some adults, ran around full of colour thanks to free face painting.
The racing proved a treat for Swan Hill connections with Con Kelly taking out the $12,500 Elders Moulamein Cup (1600m).
Trainer Nathan Hobson and his apprenticed jockey Madison Lloyd teamed up to produce a double, while trainer Helen Burns opened proceedings with a win.
Father-son duo trainer Austy Coffey and jockey Harry Coffey may not have been competing, but decided to mingle within the crowd throughout the day.
While Kelly took out the ultimate prize of the day, he said coming to Moulamein provided a fun and laid back environment to enjoy all aspects of racing.
“I would have loved to go get on the sauce with the crowd, but, unfortunately, I was quite busy,” he joked.
“I’ve been coming for many years now as both a spectator and trainer and I love the fact Moulamein races continues to run every year.
“It’s just out the back door from Swan Hill and very handy for all of us to race.”
After more than 30 years with the committee and serving in his first year as president, McKindlay was pleased to successfully continue the tradition of the annual standalone December meeting.
“It’s gratifying because we’re a small committee and we’re a little bit rough around the edges, but people love it and it’s a great day,” he said.
The day didn’t all go to plan with one of Hobson’s cup runners, Call The Sheriff, being put down before the race.
After being frightened, the four-year-old mare suffered severe injury after attempting to jump over the railing.
McKindlay said such an incident is the first he’d seen during his time on the committee.
“I felt we dealt with the situation as best we could, and we had the right staff on hand as soon as it happened,” he said
McKindlay thanked the crowd who attended and the sponsors who made the day possible — including major sponsor for 35 years, Elders.
With another successful cup run, McKindlay said the committee will now have a nice break before reconvening in February to evaluate ways they can improve next year’s meeting.
