The crowd numbers appeared to be up on last year’s event, with around 2000 people out enjoying the day at the Harden Racecourse.

The changes put in place for this years event made for a great family friendly atmosphere for the races.

Having the tent sites moved from the back end of the ground to the hill overlooking the track had a two fold benefit in providing a great viewing area for patrons, and blocking off the slope at the back of the hill which has been a hazard for those with the ‘Wobbly Boot’ in the past.

The family atmosphere was complete with a jumping castle for the kids and the Jazz band ‘Shiraz’ also kept the crowds entertained around the shaded area.

The Glamour Marquee was also run very well supported with the ladies ran off their feet in the first few hours of the races, and in the process raising funds for the local CanAssist branch.

Special Guest Malcolm Johnston was in his element on the day, and also in fine form with his tips which was great news for the members of the punters club, as he essentially doubled their money.

“Country people like those in Harden, don’t have a real lot to look forward to sometimes and when they have their one big day a year, they really look forward to the occasion and really get into the spirit of things”, Malcolm said. Malcolm also said he was looking forward to making it back for next years Picnic Races.

Nathan Hindmarsh was trying hard to keep a low profile for his buck’s party weekend, but was hard to miss in his pink shirt and hat. Although not entirely happy with the extra attention he received, he did graciously stop to sign autographs and pose for pictures for his many fans on the day.

The main race of the day, the CLASS Harvest Centre Wagga Harden Picnic Race Cup featured two locally owned and trained horses with last year’s winner ‘Spirited Choice’ and ‘Aurville’. A win for the locals was not to be as the Cup was won by ‘Pass It On’ from Batemans Bay (see page 12 for the full story), followed by ‘Estarose’ in second and ‘Aurville’ in third.