What a weekend!

By Sarah Schwager and Brad Kingsbury
THERE was something for everyone in Cranbourne on the weekend as the Australian Moto Grand Prix and the Browns Sawdust and Shavings Cranbourne Cup sparked a two-day party.
On Saturday, locals lined High Street as 4000 motorbikes roared through town at the annual MRA Cranbourne GP Run.
The looming rain kept many away at first but in the end didn’t stop thousands watch on or take part as the bikes were waved off to Phillip Island by five times 500cc world champ Mick Doohan.
The crowd also cheered on for local favourite Casey Stoner, and waved their Stoner banners as the riders went past urging them to take their support to the 21-year-old, who ending up winning his first Australian Grand Prix.
Casey mayor Colin Butler said it was great to see so many people turn out to support the Cranbourne event. “It is one of the largest events in the municipality and, as many of you will soon find out, certainly the loudest,” Cr Butler said.
On Sunday, in perfect spring sunshine, almost 7000 racegoers witnessed leading horseman Peter Moody add the 2007 Cranbourne Cup to his mantelpiece after his honest galloper Emerald Jack saluted in the $156,000 feature race.
Star jockey Damien Oliver drove the seven-year-old across the line ahead of sentimental Cranbourne hope Blue Collar Jack, which just missed making it back-to-back wins in the race for popular local trainer Ken Keys.
Three Cranbourne trainers shared the spotlight with Moody after they saddled winners on the day, while off the track the $7000 Myer Country Fashions on the Field was won by Kate Barnes.
Cranbourne Turf Club chief executive Neil Bainbridge said that the day had been a success with a new record set for off-course betting turnover and on-course activities enjoyed by all.
“The crowd was down a little on last year, but with the (Moto) Grand Prix and a few other things on, I was happy with the day,” he said. “Patrons were well behaved and had a great day out. The racing was top class and the cup itself was a terrific race.
“It would have been nice to see our Cranbourne favourite Blue Collar Jack win it again but Emerald Jack’s win was well-deserved in the end.”
Cranbourne Senior Sergeant Daleen Spicer praised the behaviour of weekend crowds and said there had been few problems with only two arrests at the race meeting for minor offences.
“There were no major issues on the weekend with the Cranbourne Cup or the ride off. The crowds for both should be commended,” she said. “Apart from (the two arrests) everyone was very well behaved for both events which is great considering both were run on the same day.”