The Bronte Simpson-ridden Awesome Tycoon eyes victory in the feature race, alongside the Mikayla Weir-ridden Southerly Buster.
Hundreds of people packed the Gunnedah-based Riverside Racecourse last Saturday afternoon, as the annual Christmas Hams race day was as popular as ever.
While the six races drew plenty of attention, the same could be said about the Fashions on the Field while the hot weather ensured the bar and ice cream van also drew plenty of support.
There were numerous marquees as various businesses, sporting groups and other community groups were out and about in the lead-up to Christmas.
Gunnedah Jockey Club president Mark Wilkinson said, “I think for a lot of people it’s the start of Christmas.”
With this year being the second time Mr Wilkinson experienced the Christmas Hams race day since taking on the president role, he said there had been a lot of good reports about this year’s event.
Mr Wilkinson said many of the jockeys offered great feedback about the track, while he also spoke to one of the stewards who “was really happy with how the track was”.
Mr Wilkinson said the work on the track was a progressive thing, while the work “doesn’t happen overnight.”
Meanwhile this year’s Christmas Hams race day was a first for the Gunnedah Jockey Club’s general manager Will Norman, who took on the role within the past few months.
Mr Norman said he “couldn’t have asked for a better introduction” to the Christmas Hams event.
“From my perspective, the Christmas Hams race day was a real success,” he said.
“Despite the temperature pushing into the high 30s, the crowd was fantastic — very well-behaved, and in great spirits all afternoon.
“We saw strong early attendance, plenty of engagement around the bar and betting ring, and a genuinely positive atmosphere right through to the last race.”
Mr Norman said the level of community support “really stood out”.
“Trainers, jockeys and patrons all embraced the conditions, the racing was competitive, and the fashions brought plenty of colour to the day,” he said.
