THE Wangaratta Turf Club kicked off the festive season with a successful Christmas Party Race Day.

Around 1550 eager spectators flocked to the beautiful facilities despite the weather forecast promising a gloomy day.

But the rain held off for the eight race card with the track racing at a good four, a tribute to the huge effort from the track team considering the amount of rain the region has had in the past few weeks.

Wangaratta Turf Club president Neil Membrey said it was a fantastic day.

“We had about 1550 there and the weather impacted ticket sales leading up to the event so we were happy with the crowd,” Membrey said.

“We had to stop selling tickets a week out because the rain meant we couldn’t utilise the mound or the area on the home straight because the ground was still soaked.

“The staff at the club did a cracking job of relocating everyone and in the end it made for a great atmosphere because the crowd was so close together.

“As a club we’re just pleased that we get the opportunity to bring the community together and help celebrate the Christmas festivities.”

Membrey praised Greg Brown and his track team for the work they’ve done over a wet past few weeks.

“The track played amazing,” he said.

“The jockeys and trainers were stoked with it and then the club held 20 jump outs today (Tuesday) so they’ve done a terrific job.

“It ended up racing at a good four which a few people questioned because it had been so wet but that just shows how good Greg Brown and his team are.”

The turf club has one more meeting to close out 2025 with a summer race day on December 23.

With the Christmas holidays in full swing by then Membrey’s hopeful a good crowd turns out once again.

“It’s just a summer race day but it’s going to be a quality day and we hope to see plenty of people on course again,” he said.

“The Christmas holidays will have begun by then so we’re expecting a good crowd to continue the festive cheer.”