RACING
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A CROWD estimated to be in excess of 4500 people flocked to the track on Saturday for Dubbo Turf Club's annual Derby Day meeting.
Cementing its standing as the biggest event on Dubbo's social calendar, the day had something for everyone.
Marquees were full and the general admission and betting ring areas were packed as punters did their best to not only find a winner at Flemington and the other metropolitan locations, but also in the six-race program on course
Local trainers dominated the day, winning four of the six events on the program while jockey Joe Saiki took the riding spoils with a winning double.
The success of the 2013 edition continues the rebound the club has experienced since the dark days of 2007 when equine influenza (EI) caused the meeting to be scrapped.
"Derby Day is back," Dubbo Turf Club secretary-manager Mark Day said.
"Our figures suggest we had about 4600 people on course, which is a great result.
"Ever since EI we've been treading water a bit and trying to stay afloat and Derby Day plays a big part in helping us bounce back and provide a viable race club for Dubbo
"We've had some good Derby Days since then but the vibe around this year was great.
"Every year we try to improve on things that have worked, scrap things that don't and bring in new ideas and I think the people of Dubbo have responded well to that."
With the Derby Day rush behind them, Day and his staff will now turn their attention to tomorrow's Daily Liberal-sponsored Melbourne Cup Day meeting.
Five races will be contested on tomorrow's program, which is one of 17 race meetings being held across NSW to coincide with the 'race that stops the nation'.
"Melbourne Cup Day is a bit more relaxed for us," Day said.
"We usually get about 1500 to 2000 people out here for this meeting and, being a non-TAB meeting, we have a bit more time to do our stuff like fashions on the field."