Penola punters enjoy great day at the races

Penola Cup Womens Winners (3)  TBW Newsgroup
FASHION FIESTA: Mandy Scanlon, Nicole Rose, Brianna Scanlon, Jene Spiridis, Bridget Aldridge and Graham Walter were this year's winners of the Fashions on the Field categories.
Penola Cup Womens Winners (3) TBW Newsgroup
FASHION FIESTA: Mandy Scanlon, Nicole Rose, Brianna Scanlon, Jene Spiridis, Bridget Aldridge and Graham Walter were this year’s winners of the Fashions at the Races categories.

MANY put away their bunny ears for gorgeous gowns on Easter Sunday as the Penola Racecourse thrived with punters.

Close to 700 people attended the event, with around 130 children making the races the “best family day”.

The day consisted of several races, with punters piling next to the racecourse to get a glimpse of the Penola Cup winner and participate in the Fashions at the Races competition.

People travelled from all around the region and state to attend the day with the rain not phasing racegoers.

Penola Racing Club president Mark Edwards was pleased with the crowd attendance.

“It was a good day,” Mr Edwards said.

“We promoted the day as an overall family day and there were plenty of families in attendance.

“The kids enjoyed their race on the track and we were pleased the rain let up in the early afternoon.”

Mr Edwards said despite concern the rain may deter punters, many still came to the Penola Racecourse and enjoyed the day.

“The rain in the morning made the track a little softer so it was a downgrade from a four to a five after races three,” Mr Edwards said.

“We were concerned the rain in the morning may have turned some people away from coming along but it turned out to be okay.”

The races went well, according to Mr Edwards, with some small fields.

“We know that we are competing with a lot of racing around this time of the year but the people that go along still enjoy it.

“The cup itself was won be a favourite which was great.”

With favourites winning most of the day, Mr Edwards said it is a good indication the track is in top condition.

“The general response from the community was great and as a club we were pleased about the day and it was a good, enjoyable family day,” Mr Edwards said.