THE last race of the season wrapped up on Friday and Racing Orange chairperson Ellie Brown believes this season has cemented Orange as one of the best places to race in country NSW.
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The Hartford’s Orange Gold Cup drew 1000 punters through the gates at Towac Park.
Ms Brown said she was pleased with the numbers considering the event coincided with the start of Food Week.
“It’s been a really busy day and a really busy week, we’re really pleased,” she said.
Ms Brown said Racing Orange had worked hard over the last few months to bring quality racing to Orange for Cup day.
She said they had been lobbying top jockeys and owners to be a part of Cup day with much success.
Ms Brown said leading female jockey Kathy O’Hara added to the atmosphere on the day and her involvement didn’t stop when she dismounted.
“She got out and mingled with the crowd so that was really good,” she said.
“This is the best [Cup] field we have had in 20 years.”
Ms Brown said the track was in top condition on the day with the Racing Orange board buoyed by the announcement of a $1.3 million Racing NSW grant to relocate the sand fast work track inside the existing track, which will mean it will be possible to re-turf and widen the main track.
The fashions on the field title was won by Bec Whiley who looked stunning in a blue lace dress. Other prizes were awarded for best hat and best dressed gentleman.
Ms Brown said the races had now become a major event on the social calendar, attracting an increasing number of young people who are keen to dress up for the day.
“Racing and fashion is all about the complete outfit,” she said.
“We encourage everyone to go all out and do something fabulous.”
While Bec Whiley might have taken out the official best-dressed title awarded by the judges, will she win the popular vote?
The Central Western Daily was out at the track photographing some of the best dressed men and women at the race meeting.
To have your say on the best outfit go to http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au.