By BRIDGET COOK
ACTION-packed racing, fashionable fillies and live entertainment lit up the track for the TAB Cranbourne Cup on Sunday despite grey skies above.
About 5000 people braved the wet weather for one of the biggest events on Casey’s social calendar.
Most stayed out of the rain in marquees, the betting pavilion, where there was live entertainment, and in the recently upgraded bar and dining area.
German import Pakal and his champion hoop Glen Boss stormed home to claim the $200,000 Cranbourne Cup (over 2025 metres) by a massive margin on Sunday.
Pakal passed the post more than two lengths ahead of Sertorius and Mourinho.
Following the race, Boss said it was the strongest Cranbourne Cup field ever assembled.
The other feature race of the day – the $100,000 Apache Cat Classic (over 1000 metres) – immediately followed the Cup. The Stephen Brown-trained Canali – ridden by Stephen Baster – led from start to finish.
More than 50 men and women took part in the Myer Fashions on the Field, with more than $5000 worth of prizes up for grabs.
Myer Lady of the Day was awarded to Park Orchids resident Crystal Kimber and Michael McAlpine, from Richmond, was named the Myer Man of the Day.
Cranbourne Turf Club chief executive Neil Bainbridge said while the crowd was down due to the weather, the racing was of a great standard.
“Consistent rain throughout the morning and at times during the day put a dampener on our biggest day for the year,” he said.
“While disappointed the club didn’t achieve the attendance results it had hoped and planned for, it was a great day’s racing and arguably one of the best TAB Cranbourne Cup fields ever assembled.
“The quality of racing continues to grow and we are extremely pleased with the support we receive from the best trainers and best jockeys that want to compete at Cranbourne.”
A large crowd also turned out to the track on Friday to kick off the TAB Cranbourne Cup Carnival and the Browns Sawdust and Shavings Night Series at the Inglis Pinker Pinker Plate.
Many made the most of the new Carlton Draught Beer Garden which was officially opened on the night, while international DJ Steve Bleas pumped out tunes from the stage.
Mr Bainbridge said they were pleased with Friday night’s racing and it was a great way to kick off the carnival.
“Night racing continues to grow at Cranbourne and we were delighted with the large crowd that attended the opening night meeting,” he said.
