SATURDAY’S Winsec Savings and Loans Wangaratta Cup race day at the Wangaratta Turf Club provided entertainment and a great day out for about 1000 eager patrons. From 11.30am on Saturday, a steady tide of racegoers flocked through the gate, ready to enjoy a party atmosphere, live music, and a nine-race card. Races started from 12.30pm, the first of which was taken out by local trainer Dan McCarthy’s Blondie’s Toronado ($8.00) by three quarters of a length from Ben Brisbourne’s Schimmelbusch ($4.80) and Andrew Dale’s Three Musketeers ($3.30). Race seven was the Winsec Savings and Loans Wangaratta Cup, which was won by a nose by Harmonious Senora ($9.00) from Seymour. Craig Weeding took out the final race of the day, with jockey Jake Duffy steering Recon ($2.15) to victory by two lengths. While the horses were thundering down the straight, the party was bumping trackside. Wangaratta Turf Club CEO Emma Merlo said it was an incredible day for punters and those who just wanted a fun day out. “It was a really good day – the weather was a bit toasty but it was good,” she said. “The Party on the Hill vibe was good, the Oaks Room was full, and we had a DJ who played after the last race to keep people around created a really great party vibe, which is what we wanted. “We probably had about 1000 through the gate - it’s up from last year, and anything up from the year before is always a win for us. “Eight weeks into this role and our team working together, we’re quite proud of what we’ve been able to pull off in such a short time.” Merlo said it will be a few months until the next race day, but looked forward to hosting the crowds once again. “We’re happy with the atmosphere, everyone seemed to have a really good time,” she said. “I’ve gotten quite a few emails and messages from sponsors and groups saying they’re looking forward to coming back next year, so we look forward to hosting them as well. “Our next race day is Friday, 2 May - we’re planning to have a community day for that one, we’d most likely have Damien Oliver at the races as well, so we’ll start promoting that one soon.”
