Punt pays off

By Justin Robertson
A FLOOD of local trainers and riders hit the turf at Pakenham last week, after Yarra Glen’s Christmas Races were shifted from their home track because of woeful racing conditions.
After looking at alternative tracks for the race day, the Glen Valley Racing Club decided that Pakenham would be ideal to host its annual Christmas event.
The event was well backed by local trainers even before the day, with more than 30 local horses nominated for the ten-race event – with some races boasting an astounding 50 nominations.
Pakenham and Cranbourne trainers had a field day, winning eight races from a possible 10.
It was the second Christmas race day at Pakenham in as many weeks, a massive boost for its punters, members and the club, said chief executive Michael Hodge.
“It was a huge bonus for us – for our racing community and local trainers,” he said. “We were able to expose our brand to new people and it turned out to be a real success.”
Lawn space and marquees were at capacity and Hodge said it was a record pre-booked crowd, with 3,000 signing up for a ticket before the first race.
Some 3800 punters made their way through the turnstiles and weren’t disappointed with fine weather – for most of the day – and 10 quality races that showcased some local trainers and talent.
Pakenham’s John Gunning-trained Nero Macchina won race two’s 1000m Laguna Pools Maiden Plate, making him the only Pakenham trainer to win for the day.
Cranbourne trainers had a day out claiming seven of the 10 races, with two Mornington trainers rounding out the day’s winners.
Cranbourne’s Grant Dalziel won the 1300m Sticks Yarra Valley Maiden Plate with Another George, while Fossicking and He’s Fab finished in second and third respectively.
Hodge said the Pakenham Racing Club was given two weeks’ notice to organise the event and was delighted with how it panned out.
“It was a big effort to make all that happen – a joint effort with Yarra Valley,” he said. “It’s great that we can provide that kind of support for each other in a time of need.”