6.15PM:
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Thousands of racegoers have braved drizzly weather to attend the meet billed as “Dubbo’s biggest party”.
Dubbo Turf Club general manager Vince Gordon said the rain wasn’t made to order but the Hit93.5 Derby Day had been a successful spring racing event.
It had drawn about 3500 people through the gates, which was “a good number for a day like today”, he reported.
“It’s been a great day,” he said.
“Weather hasn’t been to our liking, but it’s still been a really good party day and everyone’s having a great time.
“...it’s having a good time and the racing’s been good, the track’s performing very very well and the place has presented like a picture, so happy days.”
Mr Gordon also had an update on jockey Michael Travers, who was taken to hospital after a fall in the second race.
“Yes, he’s okay,” Mr Gordon said.
“There were three down, but they’re all good, yes.
“All the horses are fine as well, they all came home.”
The last Derby Day race has been run and won and now the club’s attention turns to the most famous event on Australia’s spring racing calendar.
It will host the Daily Liberal Melbourne Cup Day and Mr Gordon invited the public to come along and get into the spirit.
“Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday, a big meeting out here on Tuesday, so another good day out,” Mr Gordon said.
“Enjoy the race that stops the nation, Melbourne Cup, on course, in Dubbo.”
3.40PM:
Umbrellas have played a key role in race day ensembles as Dubbo’s Derby Day.
Showers have hit the Dubbo Turf Club on and off throughout the afternoon, but the crowds at the track were not deterred.
Many came prepared, adding a brolly to their outfits, while others have set up in the club’s undercover area.
Bec Wilde returned home to Dubbo from Sydney to catch up with family and friends.
She was not going to miss Derby Day.
“It’s a Dubbo icon,” she said.
The group made a day of it at the races – sporting matching umbrellas.
Race four saw More Than Alright claim the honours.
But the racing industry’s thoughts were with jockey Michael Travers who was taken to hospital after a fall in the second.
EARLIER:
Punters and fashionistas are streaming through the gates of the Dubbo Turf Club for Derby Day.
Three races have run so far in the seven-race program, despite some light showers.
The colour and excitement of race day can be seen at the track.
Racegoers haven’t let the drizzle dampen their spirits, cheering the horses home.
Clothes and hats have been key considerations for the day.
Fashions in the Field is yet to take place.
An archway of black and white balloons is at the entry, in keeping with the traditional Derby Day colour scheme.
In Good Time won the first race of the day, the 1000m Golden West Automotive Maiden Handicap.
Flux Capacitor finished out in front of the 1400m Leading Edge Computers Dubbo Maiden Plate.
Race three was run and won by Cowboys Karma.