A local downpour on Monday lifted spirits and added excitement to the already charged atmosphere of Melbourne Cup Day, with punters rolling in to the Bairnsdale racetrack for a full afternoon of entertainment.
The rain may have had high heels sinking but according to club manager, Sarah Wolf, who took a stroll down the home straight prior to the races, a light wind and sunny weather meant all augered well.
“It felt like a perfect racing surface, it had a beautiful amount of give, and overall should herald some great racing,” Ms Wolf said.
Bairnsdale Racing Club chairman, Greg Beadle, said the track was rated as a ‘soft seven’ at midday yesterday.
“The track is in very good condition,” Mr Beadle said.
“Our track manager, Trevor Harrap, has been irrigating all week. It just shows how dry it’s been, the 30 millimetres we received has freshened it all up –everything looks great.
“It’s the best condition our gardens and surrounds have ever been in, our casuals and committee members have all pitched in, it’s been all hands on deck for the preparations.”
The six-race non-TAB race meet at Bairnsdale was interspersed with all the action from Flemington, as well as metropolitan races, shown on the big screen.
At midday, Ms Wolf, who is also the chief executive officer at Stony Creek Racing Club, said the crowd was streaming through the gate and organisers hoped more than 2000 would attend.
Ms Wolf also said the excitement of fashions on the field had been boosted with the addition of the couples category, and the corporate hospitality packages had been sold out for weeks.
According to track records, 16mm fell on Monday with a further 14mm of irrigation during the week.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, in the 24 hours to 9am on Tuesday morning, Bairnsdale had received 32 millimetres.
Around the district the figures were patchier with Bullumwaal receiving 9mm, Lakes Entrance 15mm and Orbost registering 20mm.
“The weather gods have been great, it’s perfect for people to come and enjoy themselves,” Mr Beadle said.
PICTURED: Bairnsdale Racing Club manager, Sarah Wolf, with Cranbourne trainer, Robbie Laing’s Basanite, entered in race four, looking forward to a full afternoon of racing action.
