RACEGOERS handled a typical Moree summer afternoon at the Moree Ag Supplies and Steel Twilight Christmas races on Saturday, when more than 3500 people converged on the local track to take in six races and after-party entertainment by Australian country music star Max Jackson.

Moree Race Club secretary Michell Gobbert said Saturday’s twilight meeting was again a huge success.

“Despite the hot weather, it was a successful day with crowd numbers around 3500,” Gobbert said. “Temperature-wise, the day really wasn’t much different to last year – it was very similar.

“Everyone had a great day. The horses raced well and there were no issues with the heat. We raced under Level 2 conditions,” she said.

Gobbert said the meeting was comparable to previous years.

“Our sponsors’ area inside the racetrack had record numbers, everyone had a great time, and Max Jackson was really good,” she said.

“I spoke with her after the show and she is keen to come back – she had a great time.”

Fashions-on-the Field, sponsored by Augusta Ag, were again hotly contested, with more than $3000 worth of prizes offered across five categories.

Best-Dressed Young Lady was won by Ruby Jones and Best-Dressed Lady was taken out by Heidi Heffernan.

Bryce Burey was named Best-Dressed Gentleman and Mick and Emma Humphries were named Best-Dressed Couple.

Best Hat or Fascinator was worn by Savannah Charters.

Out on the track, horses handled the Level 2 conditions, which cover a forecast or current ambient temperature of 38 degrees or above.

Level 2 conditions vary to suit different areas and venues across New South Wales.

Coffs Harbour jockey Grady Spokes rode a winning double with Zougo Boss and Veloce Meteor while Gunnedah trainer Sally Torrens led back a running double – Casdaemon and Via Rose.

Other winners included Prucia for Alyssa and Troy Sweeney, and Tosmian for Ben Waldron.

Moree Race Club president Rob Mather said the Christmas meeting is one of the biggest social events of the year in Moree – if not the biggest.

“It’s always a great meeting and this year was no different,” Mather said.

“We had plenty of sponsors come on board, which is always a great help to the club, and this was reflected by the record numbers in the sponsors’ area inside the track.

“We’ll go into recess now for a couple of months and return with a good, seven-race TAB meeting in March,” he said.

Story and Images: Bill Poulos