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Punters and fashionistas alike flocked the Wangaratta and Albury turf clubs to celebrate horse racing’s day-of-days – but for the first time in 58 years, the track at Corowa was silent.
Albury event organiser Jackie Morgan said the club was pleased with the turn-out, with about 1500 to 2000 people through the gates and a huge amount of Fashion on the Field entries.
“It’s been really good,” she said. “We’re very pleased with the number of people who have come out, it’s very exciting to have people here, it’s a really good crowd.”
Racegoers lined up track-side for the five races at Albury and gathered around big-screen televisions to tune into the race that stops a nation.
Albury Racing Club general manager Mick Wighton said perfect weather and a lack of races at Corowa had increased crowd numbers.
“Corowa had a respectful day yesterday,” he said.
“Our numbers were slightly bolstered as it’s only us and Wangaratta and the day’s just been perfect.”
Our numbers were slightly bolstered as it’s only us and Wangaratta - and the day has just been perfect.
- Albury Racing Club general manager Mick Wighton on Melbourne Cup Day
This year, Corowa broke tradition and held their race on Monday, rather than Cup Tuesday.
The club said elected to change the event from a non-TAB meeting on Tuesday to a TAB meeting on Cup eve.
Ms Morgan said the Albury event had a loyal crowd.
“We’ve always had our own crowd and following, same as Wangaratta, we’ve had good growth,” she said.
“We had a number of people who came just for the fashion event, it’s great.
“A number of people put together their own outfits and entered - it’s a great atmosphere and a bit of fun.”
Mr Wighton said the Spring racing period was the perfect lead up and preparation for the Albury Gold Cup.
Albury had 27 final acceptors for its five-race non-TAB meeting.
Wangaratta has a six-race meeting with 55 final acceptors.
Children at the Wangaratta Race Club were delighted by organised sporting activities, pony rides and a jumping castle.
While the day offered live music from the Maurice Milani Band for patrons.