Although slightly down on last year’s record $2.4 million, the Border’s premier race day once again proved popular with punter’s splurging $2.1 million on the tote and TAB fixed-odds markets.

Albury Racing Club chief John Miller was thrilled with the result.

“Although slightly down on last year, it’s pleasing to once again pass the $2 million mark,” Miller said.

“I think the two main reasons turnover was down were mainly due to the cup probably lacked the overall depth of previous years.

“Having a five horse maiden in the opening race probably didn’t help our cause much either.

“Last year the cup field was probably the best ever outside 2011 which was reflected in the record turnover.

“But to get $2.1 million turnover which is over what we budgeted for, is obviously pleasing.”

Turnover on the feature race taken out by the Tony McEvoy-trained Kourkam was $365,000 and well down on the $470,000 last year.

A final field of only 12 runners with over half the field starting over 20/1 were significant contributing factors to the downturn.

An estimated crowd of 16,000 flocked to the course with the overall number of marquee’s also slightly down.

Miller said feedback from the changes to the on course layout were positive.

The biggest change was the fashions on the field being moved to a new area and being replaced with entertainment, bars and food in the beer garden.

“Moving the fashions on the field and the marquee’s being more exclusive and not having the general public standing in front of them were positive changes,” he said.

“We also tried to do a few different things with the on-course screens.

“We had a few complaints from punters that the screens focused too much on the presentations and the happenings on-course rather than the actual races.

“Some people also thought the bookmakers ring was too hard to access the way the rail was set-up.

“We appreciate the feedback.”