EVERGREEN Turf Guineas Day has maintained its reputation as one of the best days on the local racing calendar, both on and off track, as the crowds flocked to Pakenham Racecourse for a great day’s racing on Saturday.
The new and improved Paddock Party was the biggest ever, thanks to the exciting entertainment precinct made possible by the Victorian Racing Industry Fund’s (VRIF) Raceday Attraction Program.
The highlight of the day was the Star News Group Team of Champions Competition, which saw sporting teams compete in a range of activities to win a $5000 sponsorship and a $2300 automatic defibrillator package.
Pakenham Racing Club CEO Michael Hodge beamed about the initiative.
“With this outstanding contribution from the Victorian Government’s Raceday Attraction Program, the Pakenham Racing Club will implement a whole range of new and innovative strategies that will drive attendance and further develop Evergreen Turf Guineas Day as a premier race day in the Victorian Racing Calendar,” he said.
Teams in the competition included Nar Nar Goon Maryknoll Cricket Club, Nar Nar Goon Football Netball Club, Garfield Football Netball Club, Gembrook Cockatoo Football Netball Club and Pines Football Club.
The day began with Gembrook taking an early lead thanks to its bumper marquee sales, before Nar Nar Goon Maryknoll Cricket Club tied up the scores courtesy of its winning YouTube video. The Pines Football Club then shot to the front when Sean ‘Whitey’ White blitzed the field in the 100m sprint down the home straight.
However, a strong finish by the Gembrook Cockatoo Football Club saw the rest of the field left behind with wins in the Handball, Final Furlong and Netball competitions.
Kerry from Gembrook Cockatoo demonstrated her expert jockey skills with the fastest time on the Final Furlong arcade machine.
The handball competition saw a playoff between two Gembrook stars Gary Griffiths and Tristan Whytcross.
However, at the end of the play-off, Gary Griffiths was victorious earning bragging rights as the best handballer at the club.
Carly Clarke clinched the victory for Gembrook when she obliterated the field with a perfect score in the netball shootout.
Pakenham Racing Club Committee chairman Don Duffy congratulated Gembrook Cockatoo on the win, presenting the club with the $5000 sponsorship and defibrillator package.
“The Pakenham Racing Club is proud to support the local community and local sport,” Duffy said.
“We congratulate Gembrook Cockatoo Football and Netball Club on being the 2013 Star News Group Team of Champions.”
Consistent galloper Dramatique, trained by Mathew Leek, put in another good run to finish third in the Evergreen Turf 0-64 over 1750m.
Dramatique ($9) settled behind the leader in the running and was unable to obtain a clear run until around the 200-metre mark.
Once clear, it worked to the line well to finish in third place.
The Pakenham Racing Club’s next major meeting is scheduled for Oaks Day which is now only three weeks away.
The club has plenty planned for the day with live local racing, Fashions on the Field, live music, and big screens showing all the action from Flemington.
For further information call the club on 5941 1207.
