By Kath Gannaway
WITH the bushfire uncertainty of the past week, the Healesville Amateur Racing Club committee members were thrilled, and relieved, to have more than 3000 people file through the turnstiles on Saturday.
The reputation of Healesville Races as a great family day out was also upheld with another 1000 mini-patrons among the crowd.
The club obviously believes in letting kids be kids for as long as they can – children under 18 are admitted free.
The six-race program on Saturday included the RACV Healesville Country Club Cup and two special memorial races,
Race 2 was dedicated to Lockie Campbell, a former club committee member and highly regarded Yarra Valley stock agent who died in September 2007.
Race 5, previously the Nancy Smith Memorial Maiden Handicap, was run for the first time in memory of both Nelson and Nancy Smith following Nelson’s recent death.
Nelson and Nancy owned and operated Healesville’s McKenzie’s bus service for many decades and were also great supporters of the race club in times gone by.
The last meeting of the 2008/09 season will be held on Easter Saturday 11 April as a CFA Bushfire Relief Day with gate-takings donated to local CFA units.
To book a marquee or reserve a space phone Michelle Purvis on 0403 200 550, or visit www.healesvilleraces.com.au for details.
