THE Kerang Turf Club has celebrated another milestone, drawing a record crowd of more than 1700 to the recent Autopro Summer Races.
Traditionally held on Boxing Day, the event was moved moved to December 28 to address staffing challenges and a declining interest due to the public holiday.
The club has also invested in several improvements.
A new undercover zone has been erected which now provides much needed relief from the summer sun while also doubling down as an emergency shelter.
Six new permanent women’s toilets have also installed.
Families were well catered for with children’s entertainment, including giveaways such as sports packs provided by Kelly Sports for the younger racegoers.
A live music line-up kept the festive atmosphere alive throughout the day.
Alan Shields was presented with a lifetime membership on the day for his unwavering support to the club with a “big thank you on over 20 years of productive service at the Kerang Turf Club”.
Mr Shields’ dedication continues even after stepping down from leadership to travel throughout Australia, as he remains an active volunteer getting involved in maintenance and gardening.
Kerang Turf Club president, Colleen Shay said it was a fantastic day.
“It was great to see the community come together, we were receiving great feedback from attendees,” she said. “We were lucky to have such brilliant weather and such a sensational crowd.”
Kerang Turf Club manager, Tom Nisbet said it was a great day of racing.
“It has been an unbelievable success since we changed over from having the races on Boxing Day to December 28.
“Bookmakers and TAB certainly had a very busy day.
“Having had a record attendance we saw lots of families and children show up which was great to see.”
