SATURDAY’S racing at Stony Creek was a success despite challenging hot conditions as the mercury hovered in the high thirties, the Racing Club’s CEO Jason Benbow happy with the 600 people who came through the gate on a day many would have headed for the beach.
Industry personnel brought the number at the track to about 800.
The ‘Evans Petroleum Saturday Races’ program was completed, the track initially rated a Good 4, eventually firming to a Good 3 in the scorching weather, Benbow praising the excellent work curator
Michael Templeton did to have the surface in excellent order on just a six-day turnaround.
The new irrigation system continues to help achieve consistency across the entirety of the track, Benbow highlighting the safety benefits and industry confidence that promotes.
While many people chose to head somewhere cooler, with a number of racing day package bookings cancelled, Benbow was confident those who came to the races were glad they did.
“People are really enjoying themselves,” he said.
Reece Goodwin trained Diamatti took out the Evans Petroleum handicap Race 6 over 1100m, with Koby Jennings onboard, winning from Master of Chant and Highland Dream.
Among the crowd was a contingent of representatives and supporters of the Go Girls Foundation, Stony Creek Racing Club helping support the organisation
through its Community Fund.
Go Girls Foundation assists women in South Gippsland who have experienced social isolation, domestic violence, homelessness and mental health issues.
The Stony Creek racing season commenced on Saturday, December 30, the first two meetings having again demonstrated the club’s family-friendly atmosphere, with more action to come on Sunday,
January 12 when the School Holiday race meeting is held, gates opening at 12pm.
Attendees will enjoy live music by Rick Gauci, and the Influence Clothing Fashions on the Field will take centre stage, along with all the day’s exciting racing.
