Hundreds gather for Autumn Cup

A growing event on both the Berrigan and Finley calendars, the Finley Autumn Cup attracted patrons from Melbourne, South Australia and Tasmania.

Winning the $10,000 main event was six year-old gelding Gagosian trained by Albury’s Andrew Dale and ridden by Jake Duffy.

Berrigan & District Race Club president Geoff Swann said it was a ‘‘first class day’’.

‘‘The crowd has been great and above our expectations; the day was just perfect.

‘‘The wind died off, the sun was out and the place looked like an absolute oasis in what would otherwise be a desert safari theme.

‘‘The crowd was well behaved, it was a lovely social atmosphere with some great racing and good quality fields.

‘‘It’s really heartening for all the work that goes into a little club like us to put on a race meeting like this and get quality horses.

‘‘It’s a great relief and testament to the fact the club is doing quite a few things right.

‘‘We really thank the Finley community for coming on board and supporting a race meeting in what would normally be considered the arch enemy town.

‘‘It shows a social event breaks all boundaries and it’s terrific to see the support continuing,’’ Mr Swann said.

The glitz and glamour of Fashions on the Fields were on display with classic dresses and styles.

The winners were as follows:

●Lady of the Day — Tracy Butler and Ainsley Massina.

●Couple of the Day — Sas and Brenton Honor.

●Little Racegoer — Chelsea Baker.

●Young Racegoer — Jane Hatty.

Saturday was the last race meeting on the 2018/19 racing calendar for the Berrigan & District Race Club.

The club’s next meeting will be in the first month of the 2019/20 season in August followed by the annual Berrigan Cup in November.