Albury Racing Club attracts its biggest Boxing Day crowd

After a humble beginning in 2019, the club attracted its biggest crowd yet on Sunday to ensure the future of the meeting.

Club chief executive officer Steve Hetherton said a crowd of almost 800 attended the meeting which was a pleasing result.

"There was a good turnout and the most pleasing thing was how the crowd built steadily," Hetherton said.

"There were still people arriving on course at 3.30pm.

"The atmosphere was relaxed and I thought there was a good mix of patrons enjoying what the club has to offer.

"Whether it be relaxing in the shaded beer garden or the punters having a bet.

"I was talking to the bookies who were surprised by the amount of money they held at the meeting.

"There were plenty of people in the members and quite a few bookings in the corporate hospitality.

"I thought it was a successful meeting and would like to thank the people who supported the club."

Hetherton said the club would target more under-25s to help grow the meeting further.

"We still need to boost the crowd numbers in the 18-25 age bracket," he said.

"We have got some good ideas in the pipeline that will help attract that younger crowd.

"It got to 32 degrees on Sunday but fortunately there was a nice breeze.

"We still have to review the day at our next committee meeting.

"But after speaking to a few of the committeemen on Sunday, I'm confident everybody will be keen to race again Boxing Day next year for sure."

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The club will now focus its attention on preparations for the award winning two day Albury Gold Cup carnival commencing on March 24.

"Once you get past Christmas the countdown starts to the cup carnival which in only just over 12 weeks away," Hetherton said.

"We have three more meetings including a Sunday meeting on February 27 which will include preludes to the City Handicap and Adrian Ledger memorial."

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