Ararat Turf Club marketing, admin, function and events coordinator, Pepita Atchison, was delighted with the figures. 

“It was the best we’ve ever had since taking over,” Mrs Atchison said. 

Crowd numbers were up by 500, with 2050 attending the Wimmera’s richest raceday. Bar figures were the best in four years, fashion entries were up by five percent and there were plenty of prizes on offer thanks to the club’s major sponsors, Claas Harvest Lake Bolac and Melbourne View Hotel. 

Marquee numbers more than doubled from 2014. There were just three last year compared to seven this year. 

Ararat Turf Club’s function venue, officially opened in April this year, was a hit with racegoers at the November 8 meeting. 

“It could probably sell itself three times over,” Mrs Atchison said. 

“The alfresco area was also very popular. We’ve already got bookings for next year.” 

Turf Club organisers utilised the racecourse’s grand stand this year, with the hosting of the Canton Lead China Bowl grandstand package. Included in that package was a two-course meal, with drinks available from the bar. As with the alfresco dining, this attracted plenty of people and may be turned into a member’s luncheon venue next year. 

Ararat-based band Orange Whip, led by Pomonal Primary School principal Matt Haddow, entertained the 2000-strong crowd throughout the afternoon. 

It was an unexpected surge in popularity for Ararat Turf Club,  although Mrs Atchison said she did start advertising the event earlier as well as generating sponsorship. 

“It was a different feel this year. Country Racing has changed its marketing and I think it has helped bring people back to the races,” she said. 

What made the day even more special was the Ararat Gold Cup win to Darren Weir-trained Something To Share. The gelding was bred in Ararat and is managed by Ararat Turf Club committee member and Wimmera Racing director, Leo Harrington. 

“We were excited for Leo. He was very chuffed,” Mrs Atchison said.

“I think what also drew a lot of people was the Darren Weir and Michelle Payne factor (Melbourne Cup winning trainer and jockey). We were getting phone calls asking if Michelle had been nominated to ride at Ararat.” 

Although Michelle was a late withdrawal for the meeting, it did not dampen racegoers’ spirits. 

“It was a fantastic day,” Mrs Atchison said. 

“Adam (Atchison, Ararat Turf Club manager and Pepita’s husband) and I certainly knew it was a big day as both of us didn’t stop until 7.30pm!” 

Ararat Turf Club has five race meetings scheduled for the first half of 2016. The next one is on Friday, January 15 while the T M Murray Slattery Willaura Cup will be staged on Sunday, April 24.