A sea of new faces in the crowd and on the track had a ball during their first Ewan Races experience when the two day meeting was held on September 23-24 at Stockyard Creek on the Gregory Development Road.
They joined in on the fun with thousands of Ewan stalwarts who in some cases have been making the annual pilgrimage to the meeting for decades to catch up with friends and bask in the unique atmosphere the days provide.
Ewan Amateur Turf Club president David Woodhouse said crowd numbers were a definite improvement on 2015, with the return to the meetings traditional race dates having a positive impact in that regard.
“We think the increased prize money on offer (over $90,000) and the second year running a grassfed meeting was what led to the rise in race nominations, but we are at a happy loss to explain the influx of patrons,” Mr Woodhouse said.
“All indications are people had a great time, which was reflected by the takings at the bar and in merchandise sales,” he said.
He said the biggest thing the committee noticed was the general consistency of the crowd.
“Nearly every guest stayed from the first event on Friday all the way through until close on Sunday.
“We think the rock solid program which featured 10 races over the two days with strong fields in each combined with the various off-track activities helped keep visitors busy.
“The Fashions on the Field were also a big drawcard and were a big hit once again with over 60 entrants taking part.”
On the track trainer Alby Molino had a day to remember with the families seven-year-old chestnut mare Coronation Journey and jockey Bonnie Thomson prevailing in the iconic Ewan Cup race by an emphatic six and a half length margin.
The most successful jockey for the meeting was Ewan newcomer Emily Cass from Bundall who rode two winners, two runner-ups and one third place finish during the meeting, and Tracey Simmons was named the most successful trainer.
Additional photos courtesy of Can-do Framing & Photo Printing.
