CROWDS finally returned to the Gawler races on Saturday – and racegoers have been praised for following coronavirus-enforced conditions at the drought-breaking event.
Around 800 members, owners and patrons – just below the designated 1000-person capacity – attended the Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club’s nine-race meeting, and club CEO Shane Collins says he was “overwhelmed” by the community’s response.
“Even though the weather was a little threatening, people still supported the day,” he said.
“People were generally very appreciative, thankful and excited that they could be back enjoying some entertainment at the racecourse.
“It was a very positive day.”
The club’s indoor facility was booked out well ahead of Saturday’s event, which was the standalone SA meeting for the day. Mr Collins said the two on-course bookmakers experienced brisk trading, while the race-going public adhered to all the COVID-19 restrictions without incident.
“It worked really well, we kept it simple… and inside our all social-distancing measures were adhered to very well,” he said.
“We actually couldn’t be any happier with people who came on the day.”
Saturday’s meeting featured a number of highlights, including a treble to new senior rider Kayla Crowther.
“It was a great day of racing and the track seemed to play quite fair,” Mr Collins said.
“We were rapt, and we’re appreciative of the Saturdays we can get within the industry. We got a lot of positive comments on the meeting and it was just a great day for the whole industry.”
The club is hosting another meeting today, when the TAB will return to an SA racetrack for the first time in months.
“It’s a quick turnaround for us,” Mr Collins said.
“We won’t have a crowd of Saturday’s level, but to welcome the TAB back is exciting.
“Our bookies who were here Saturday will be back too. They did a great job last on the weekend, holding the fort.”
Race one today is at 11.35am.