Roberts made his comments on the back of figures released by Racing Victoria (RV) yesterday, which showed hefty increases in attendances, wagering, membership and hospitality packages at last week’s three-day carnival compared with the previous year.

The passionate chairman said the club would hold a “think tank” in the coming weeks to devise possible initiatives for next year.

“We don’t want to tamper with the carnival too much,” Roberts said.

“We’ve been telling RV and Country Racing Victoria that the people of Warrnambool and district love their racing, especially the Grand Annual Steeplechase.

“They are passionate about the carnival. It’s their event. Our carnival is all about grassroots people. People come here from all walks of life to have a good time and enjoy the racing.

“I would say our five key benchmarks — attendance, hospitality packages, turnover, membership (which is over 1750) and runners were all outstanding. They are the only barometers you can use when working out if the carnival was a success.”

RV chief executive officer Bernard Saundry hailed last week’s carnival a success.

“The release of the official wagering results from last week confirm it was a highly successful carnival and I’d like to congratulate all involved at Warrnambool Racing Club for their achievements in executing a fantastic event,” Saundry said.

“To have more than 25,000 fans trackside across the carnival in cold and wet conditions is a pleasing result with the event achieving attendance growth across each of the three days. 

“The 7 per cent wagering growth across the carnival was realised despite turnover being affected on the Thursday due to Betfair’s wagering system being down for the day.”

Roberts attributed the carnival’s success to a range of factors. 

“I’ve got to congratulate our track manager Daniel Lumsden for producing a racing surface which was acknowledged by the state’s leading trainers,” he said.

“I also must congratulate our staff. They have all worked tirelessly to ensure the carnival was a success. My fellow committee members have all done wonderful jobs. 

“Our sponsors, whether big or small, are all greatly appreciated. 

“We must thank Australia’s first lady of racing, Gai Waterhouse, for being in attendance for the third consecutive year.

“The exposure she’s generated for the carnival is incredible and the club wishes to thank Colin McKenna for his ongoing support in regards to taking Gai to and from the carnival.”

Saundry said the carnival attracted strong fields and prominent trainers and jockeys from across the country. 

“The club also saw growth of more than 10 per cent across hospitality packages when compared to 2014 and local businesses reported a significant boost in sales activity,” he said.

“The strong support the carnival received from both participants and the local community cements its position in the annual Victorian racing calendar and provides a great platform for the club and the industry to further grow the three-day event.”