AFTER a blustery, rainy week the weather proved as cheerful as race-goers on Sunday at the Bet365 Ararat Gold Cup.
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The day drew crowds from across the region as well as Melbourne to take in the races, the fashions and the fun. Ararat Turf Club manager Penny Penfold said the day went off without a hitch.
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"We've had an incident-free day and the crowd has been well-behaved; it's just been a great day at the races."
Race-goer and Ararat resident Jessica Watts said it was a great day out for the family.
"It's a great day out for the kids," she said. "Ciaron Maher is one of our horse trainers so we come down to see the horse race which is always a bit of fun. It's a good day out, the weather is gorgeous today, good food and drink, and the band (Pink Moon) is awesome."
Ms Watts said her family preferred going to country races over those held in capital cities.
"It's about bringing the food, the drinks and the atmosphere," she said. "It's a lot more family and child friendly, whereas the city is a bit more exciting and a lot more drinking."
Turf Club president Bruce McDougall club members were "rapt with the crowd".
"We haven't got the numbers yet but it looks to be a good crowd and we're lucky with the weather," he said.
To highlight the theme of the Ararat RSL Sir Brudenell White 3800 metre race, a member from the Australian Light Horse Association made an appearance in full period gear.
"Because of the war theme with Sir Brudenell," McDougall said.
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