But the 2009 version has left a sour taste in the mouths of some punters at the track, regardless of whether they won or lost on the day.

While the Bureau of Meteorology recorded a maximum temperature of 30 degrees in Dubbo on Saturday, the temperature at the track was much higher, with many patrons complaining of heat exhaustion, despite ample supplies of water.

Combined with a mix-up with patrons who planned to attend the Colts and Fillies Carnivale it resulted in an excess in people in the betting ring and bar areas.

Dubbo Turf Club secretary manager Mark Day was disappointed with the day and adamant the club would work to fix the problems at future meetings.

“We are disappointed we weren’t able to offer a comfortable day out for everyone but there were things out of our control,” he said.

“There was way too many people in the general admission area and our Colts and Fillies Carnivale failed, with only about 400 people in that area.

“We will learn our lessons from this year and see what we can improve on next year.

“Obviously we can’t control the temperature and we are an outdoor entertainment centre but we will sit down and evaluate our plans for next year.”

Mr Day estimated an extra 720 people were in the general admission area, while attendance at the Colts and Fillies Carnivale was down by close to 600.

To add to the club’s woes, seven of its planned 49 bar staff didn’t arrive for work while another two called in sick.

“Things conspired against us,” Mr Day said.

“People believed they could only have five drinks in Colts and Fillies, which was wrong,” he said.

“The $60 ticket price included five drinks but there were drink tickets available for purchase down there as well.

“As a result a lot of those people went up into general admission and it was overcrowded.

“But I’d like to thank everyone who stayed patient and tried to make the most of the day.”

Dubbo Turf Club races again tomorrow with its traditional Melbourne Cup Day meeting.

Mr Day predicts a much more relaxed atmosphere will be enjoyed by all.

ben.walker@ruralpress.com