Country racing delights

Carlee Sutherland (left) and Andrea Barker (both from Kilsyth) and Mitchell Browne (behind from Wonga Park). Pictures: ROB CAREW

By MELISSA MEEHAN AND KATH GANNAWAY

SPRING CARNIVAL made its way to the Yarra Ranges last week as punters and fashionistas made their way to race days held at Yarra Glen and Healesville.
Yarra Valley Racing chief executive Brett Shambrook said Melbourne Cup Day resulted in a large crowd come through the gates and that the crowd was well behaved.
“It was a great day weather wise and we had a good turnout,” Mr Shambrook said.
“Everyone was really behaved too, so that was really good to see.”
Oaks Day, also held at Yarra Glen Race Course, was a little less hectic with punters enjoying the cloudy but humid day on the grass.
Healesville Amateur Racing Club had a great start to their season on the Saturday, with sunshine, rows of marquees trackside and picnics galore under the famous pin-oaks.
HARC president David Purcell said the committee was delighted with the day with a sensational crowd determined to have a fantastic day of country racing.
“We’re looking forward to a successful summer season,” he said.