Racing returned to the Bairnsdale racecourse on Melbourne Cup day for the first time since 2019 on Tuesday when the Bairnsdale Racing Club hosted a six-race program.
With COVID and inclement weather obstacles in recent years, around 1000 people made their way on course for a day of fun, fashion and competitive racing.
It’s hoped with some consistent weather over the next few years Bairnsdale’s social event of the year can return to the halcyon days when thousands flocked through the turnstiles for one of the highlights of the Gippsland racing calendar.
On the track, the highlight of the meeting was the win by local galloper, Black Banjo in the 1200 metre BM52 handicap, for trainer Kasey Wilson and Pakenham-based jockey, Sheridan Clarke.
It was Banjo’s third career win and second since joining Wilson, who formally trained at Pakenham, moving to the region several years ago.
IMAGE: Bairnsdale Racing Club’s biggest social event of the year – the Melbourne Cup Day races – played out in spectacular weather with a strong crowd soaking up the trackside action under sunny skies on Tuesday. Racing was also hotly contested with the highlight being the win for local galloper, Black Banjo, in the 1200 metre BM52 handicap for trainer Kasey Wilson and Pakenham-based jockey, Sheridan Clarke. Clarke (front left) was one of six female jockeys racing. Female jockey numbers have increased markedly in the past few years which has prompted mass changes to jockey facilities at all country racing venues. PICTURED: (back) Emily Pozman, Jackie Beriman, Makisha Salter, (front) Sheridan Clarke, Dakotah Keane and Tianna Chapman.
