MTC chief executive Scott Sanbrook labelled the 2016 edition as one of the most successful carnivals in recent times on the back of bigger crowds, excellent racing and solid betting turnover.

Some 10,000 racegoers made their way to the Gold Cup, a day after 2,700 people turned out for the Town Plate.

Both crowds were up significantly on previous years.

“It was an outstanding carnival all round,” Sanbrook said.

“We had a lot of tickets pre-sold through our marquees, which worked really well, and that pointed to bigger numbers and that’s how it turned out.

“It’s hard to beat good weather too. It’s the luck of the draw there and this year we got very lucky.”

TAB turnover for Cup day was $1.65 million, without fixed odds, which was down on last year’s record figure of $1.89 million.

Town Plate day TAB turnover was relative to last year at $1.25 million, without fixed odds.

MTC hope this year’s success can help grow the carnival.

“(The success) is very important, not only financially, but also to build on what we provide to racegoers and grow the carnival,” Sanbrook said.

“We want to provide a top product and if we do that, then it entices people to come back.”