COVID uncertainty and ominous rain clouds couldn't deter a buzzing atmosphere at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club on Saturday as the Aggie Race Day returned for 2021.
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The 3,500 attendees allowed under reduced COVID capacity filed into the races a little slower than usual. Strict check-in protocols in place included a double vaccination check point, hand sanitiser and Service NSW check in for each attendee.
Inside however, the sold-out event seemed a world away from recent lockdowns.
A crowd dressed to the nines gathered trackside and, as the day was an outdoor event, there was hardly a mask in sight.
After one year coated in a freak dust storm, and the next cancelled altogether thanks to COVID regulations, coordinators said the phrase of the day was without a doubt 'it's good to be back'.
Race Day student coordinator Angie Molyenaux said the day was huge success,
"We're all really excited to put this event on for everyone, it's great that it's the first big event to come back because everyone is so thrilled and buzzing," she said.
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President of the committee Will Nixon said he was pleased to be able to return and raise funds for a worthy cause.
"It was a real shame we couldn't do it last year but it's great to be able to do it again, the first year race today is raising money for the Epilepsy Foundation so its unreal to be able to do it," he said.
Murrumbidgee Turf Club president Geoff Harrison said the crowds had all been cooperative with the stringent COVID measures.
"There hasn't been any trouble at all which is really good," he said. "The Aggies kids have all supported us and these events are what they have missed, so we're just lucky enough to be the first to be able to host them."
For the many students in attendance, the day was a rare chance to socialise after months of online learning.
First year veterinary student Tempe Cropper said she and her uni friends had been anticipating the event for weeks, and couldn't have been more excited to be in attendance.
"It's really good to be out and about again, it's a good opportunity to socialise with people considering we haven't had much of a chance because we've been learning from home," she said.
"Everyone is so excited this week has gone so slowly because we couldn't wait for today."
Patron Jonathon Moore arrived bright and early with a group of local mates, and said he was excited to return to the race day where he hoped to bump into some familiar faces.
"I try to come every year and it feels good to be back," he said. "It's nice to see people again and see people from all over the countryside ... it feels good to get a sense of normality back."
Also onsite were the Red Frog Group, handing out lollies and water to the excited crowd for the ninth year in a row.
Volunteer Joshua Beer said he was excited to be back at the event, and was hoping to keep everyone hydrated and smiling.
"We give out water and look after people, just make sure they're having a good time in a fun, safe way," he said.
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