MURRUMBIDGEE Turf Club chief executive Scott Sanbrook believes there is no limit to the future success of the Ag Races.
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The rise of the popular Wagga raceday continued on Saturday when about 5500 racegoers turned out for the 29th annual meeting.
It was close to an all-time record crowd and continued a sharp incline in numbers in recent times.
“It just continues to get stronger and stronger,” Sanbrook said.
“It is a great tourism event for the city because a lot of the patrons come from places away from here.”
Sanbrook can see no reason why the crowds will not continue to soar.
“There is no limit really,” he said.
“We were a bit stretched the other day but there is the capacity to hold more racegoers.
“We were really happy with the number, it was good. If we had that same number every year, it would be a great result and if it does continue to grow, that’s even better.”
Ag Races also appear to be winning the battle of the sporting codes.
Saturday was arguably the busiest day of the Wagga sporting calendar with grand finals also conducted in three other codes.
While keen to avoid clashes in future years, Sanbrook said Ag Races cannot move.
“This is the traditional day for Aggies,” he said.
“This is the best possible date we could get for them in regards to where their exams and semesters fit.
“We cannot change the date.”
Sanbrook has held talks with AFL Riverina in recent years about the clash and hopes something can be worked out for next year.
“There were several players and supporters from Farrer League clubs that came here that I’m sure if they weren’t on the same day would have gone to the footy,” he said.
