ALBURY Racing Club chief Steve Hetherton believes the club has a compelling case to host a third successive Country Championships Qualifier after a crowd of more than 2000 flocked to the course on Saturday.
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Hetherton was delighted by the support from Border racegoers who witnessed the Mitch Beer-trained Sky Call storm to victory in the $150,000 feature.
The Donna Scott-trained Bennelong Dancer was runner-up to qualify for the $500,000 final at Randwick on April 4 for a third time.
"The crowd exceeded expectations," Hetherton said.
"There were a variety of promotions from key stakeholders including the TAB, Racing NSW and the club itself which made the day a huge success.
"Industry participants had the opportunity to compete for $370,000 in prizemoney.
"There were some quality horses competing and it was a strong SDRA heat of the Championships.
"Credit to our staff, the feedback was the track was in superb condition.
"Not only that but it raced fairly and horses could make ground from anywhere in the straight.
"Having two local horses progress to the final is satisfying and I expect both gallopers to be ultra-competitive in the final."
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Racing NSW general manager Scott Kennedy attended the meeting.
Hetherton said Kennedy was full of praise for the club and the crowd.
"Scott complimented the club on how seriously we take the honour of hosting the Championships and the atmosphere on the day," he said.
