Above: It was neck and neck in Race 7, The Steven’s Glass Class 1 Handicap. Queen Ingoda, ridden by Brendan Fenech just gets up to take the honours by half a head from Onestorm.Top: The final race of the day saw a photo finish in the Crime Stoppers Class 2 Handicap. Vinezero, ridden by Matthew Allen took the honours by a whisker from Mornington based horse Jygah, ridden by Tony Carson, with Dash Line ridden by Roger Booth coming in a close third.
Left: Enjoying the Christmas meet at Yarra Glen are Damian O’Connor with son Ben and family friend Sienna Espie.
Pictures: Luke Plummer.
FAULTLESS weather, a competitive nine race program, lashings of Christmas spirit and a great lot of children’s activities, all came together to make Yarra Glen Racing’s Christmas raceday a great success on Saturday.
Yarra Valley Racing Centre’s manager Brett Shambrooke said a large number of the 4000 people in attendance had booked in for their Christmas break up.
“The main race of the day was the Juliann Goldrick Class 3 Cup which was taken out by Surely You Jest. The race was sponsored by a group on a Hen’s Party with the hen presenting the trophy and breaking into a rusty rendition of Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler”,” Mr Shambrooke said.
Doing a little ‘jesting’ of his own, Mr Shambrooke added, “Luckily the Club had plenty of on-course entertainment on hand and we didn’t have to rely on our sponsor to entertain the crowd.”
Yarra Valley has another Christmas meeting on Friday, 23 December and bookings are still open.
“Anyone interested in having a different Christmas break up should try a fun filled day at the Yarra Valley races,” Mr Shambrooke recommended.
Phone Yarra Valley Racing Centre on 9730 1332.
