Support was strong enough for Elmore’s Harness Racing Club that it was able run 10 races for the first time since the event began again after more than a decade’s hiatus.
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The annual Boxing Day harness race was reincarnated 2016, with an eight race program.
Strong entry numbers this year meant the club raised the number of races to 10.
Read more: Harness racing returns to Elmore
President Frank Kusters said the number of races had increased because more owners and trainers saw fit to enter their horses.
“We were blown away with the nominations,” Mr Kusters said.
“We’ve got 10 races which means that the industry is supporting us."
Mr Kusters said previous years’ races had been good, but the club was still aiming to improve.
He saw the Boxing Day meet as a boon for Elmore. Having a track available keeps trainers in the town, who in turn support local business, Mr Kusters said.
Event organiser Kym Dean said each year of the renewed-races was an improvement.
This year trainers from the other side of Melbourne had even brought horses to race, Ms Dean said. The club was expecting about 600 people through the gates of the event.
“It’s like any small country town, it’s just a community thing, bringing them together,” Ms Dean said.
Who made it to the track?
Harness racing is all about families.
As a less expensive sport than thoroughbred racing, it’s easier for mums, dads and families to take part.
That’s what the president of Elmore Harness Racing Club Frank Kusters thinks.
And it’s this base of support that allows the sport to thrive.
“All of the volunteers are really dedicated to the sport, and all goes well for harness racing in general when you’ve got strong grassroots support,” Mr Kusters said.
“Without these little clubs feeding the bigger clubs it’d be hard for them to survive.”
Nicole Scott had come from Neilborough for this very reason. Her family had headed to the races as part owner of Thunder Buddies.
The family had entered in the Elmore event because it provided a race suitable for the horse.
Most punters said they had come because it was a nice day out, and something to do on Boxing Day.
By 2pm hundreds of people filled the trackside, many with one eye on the races while they ate some lunch.
Roy Lewis of Rochester had come down for the pleasure of the day.
It’s one of two meets he goes to every year.
For him harness racing is a bit more casual than thoroughbred racing.
“It’s probably a more relaxing day out, more of a family day,” he said.
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Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
