RACING
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AKUBRAS replaced fedoras and there were more Australian flags in sight than little black dresses, but that was OK with Murrumbidgee Turf Club chief executive officer Scott Sanbrook.
Sanbrook was pleased to see plenty of racegoers embracing the spirit of the MTC’s annual Australia Day Races with a selection of colourful, patriotic and eye-catching outfits.
“What has been great about today (yesterday) is the number of people who have really got into the spirit of the occasion with their fantastic Aussie outfits,” he said.
“There are plenty of people in red and blue and lots of Australian flags and paraphernalia around the track.
“It really goes to show the support we have for the day and the enjoyment people get out it.
“Today (yesterday) is as much about the social side as it is about the horses.”
While admitting the crowd was “slightly down” on previous years, Sanbrook was still happy with the number of enthusiastic race fans who ventured to the MTC for the eight-race program.
“Traditionally the crowds are slightly affected by the races falling on a Monday, but this is a great day for us that we love to see run – whether it’s a Saturday, Sunday or Monday,” he said.
“We still had 1300 people through the gates which is a really healthy crowd and a number that we are really happy with.”
Meanwhile, racegoers watched with concern yesterday as respected jockey John Kissick pulled up three-year-old Stats Big Bro shortly after entering the straight in race two of the program.
After easing the Wagga-trained gelding to a stop in the Blackwoods Maiden Plate, Kissick dismounted Peter Morgan’s charge and walked Stats Big Bro up the track to meet his attendant.
Stats Big Bro was having just his second start when he appeared to sustain a possible knee injury.
The plate was won by Prime of Drysdale, trained by Wagga’s Fiona Schneiders.