Filled with sunshine, socialising and plenty of cool drinks, locals and visitors alike raced into the new year with friends and family all making the most of the public holiday’s scorching weather.

While gates opened at 11am, the first race was not until 1.45pm, giving those still a bit worse for wear after the previous night’s celebrations plenty of time to recover.

The crowd was treated to a five-race card over the course of the afternoon.

Wagga trainer Trevor Sutherland and Gundagai jockey Billy Owen combined to take out the first and last races with Real Key and Benno’s Boy, which won the Bob Vaughan Memorial Handicap over 1000 metres.

For those who considered the racing a mere sideshow there was plenty of action off the track and attendees were not disappointed with the day’s entertainment.

For more on race day results visit the Daily Advertiser’s Sports page. 

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