It was steamy on-track and off at this year’s Deepwater Races but attendance figures were down little if any, an amazing achievement under the circumstances according to Deepwater Jockey Club president Doug Stevenson.
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“They could even be a touch better,” he said.
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No-one was game to track what temperature was reached (the mercury rose to 36 degrees officially), but there was the occasional breeze to wick the perspiration off punters’ brows.
“A bit of cloud came over at around 3.30/4pm and quietened everything down,” Mr Stevenson said.
“All-in-all it was great weather.”
Bar takings were up, while organisers managed to work through 490 bags of ice carted in from the local Foodworks.
Deepwater was fortunate to receive a 25mm downpour in the lead-up to raceday, settling the dust and even putting a green tinge to the turf.
There was much excitement among Deepwater Racing Club committee members who share ownership of Shiver Me Timbers when the horse was first to cross the line in the second race.
“We nearly shouted the bar,” Mr Stevenson said.
Ultimately the committee was very pleased with the day, with attendance at around 3000.
“It was a fantastic day and everything went well. The crowd was well-behaved, and around 300 to 350 people camped overnight in the car park with the Lion Club putting on brekky the next morning.”
Mr Stevenson said there won’t be too many changes in the pipeline given the success of the event.
“Everyone seemed to enjoy it, so we’ll just keep on doing what we do.”
He said the committee will look at providing more space in the car park for camping and racegoers alike, and perhaps more structures for shade.
“We appreciate the support of everyone involved, particularly the sponsors, and I congratulate the committee. It takes a lot of work, and we had 35 to 40 people here the day before and for the cleanup the day after.”
He singled out club secretary/treasurer Trish Stack for extra praise.
“She’s so passionate. She’s down here just about every day of the year.”
Mr Stevenson’s wife Lindy was the Fashions in the Field coordinator, and said it took a sterling effort for racegoers to dress up in the heat with high quality entrants in the Fashions in the Field.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Lismore Nationals candidate Austin Curtin were on hand to judge and present the winners with their rewards.
Chappelle George (of Flanagan’s Menswear) and partner Enzo Goroia were named Most Stylish Couple (after Mr Goroia took out Best Dressed Gent last year).
Deepwater’s David Townes took the quirky route to secure third place in this year’s Best Dressed Gent, following Cameron Newman and Chris Bastin.
Emily Clarke was deemed Most Elegant Lady, and James Stewart best Junior Racegoer.
